Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Irene Frias Obituary
On February 25, 1962, Irene married the love of her life, Gonzalo F. Frias. Together, they began to build a loving family. They had seven children: Theresa, Gonzalo, Gregory, Karen, Christina, Christopher, and Michael. Her children were the light of her life, and she devoted herself to their upbringing and education.
As a dedicated mother, she balanced her family and her pursuit of a college degree while working full time at Motorola. She graduated from Arizona State University in 1974. She then began a career in teaching that would span over thirty years. She began teaching at Roosevelt Elementary in Phoenix, continued on to Powell Junior High in Mesa, and concluded her career at Red Mountain High School in Mesa where she served as a Department chair and Yearbook advisor.
Irene's legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering dedication. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was preceded in death by her Father Joaquin Ramirez (1993) and Mother Ruth Ramirez (1996), her sisters Virginia (2017), and Evangeline (2017). She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Gonzalo Frias, and their seven children and spouses: Theresa and Michael Rague, Gonzalo and Kasandra Frias, Gregory and Teri Frias, Karen Frias and Mark Marsillo, Christina and Mike Mahrenholz, Christopher Frias, Michael and Carmen Frias; and 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandkids.
A celebration of Irene's life will be held at St. Timothy's on Friday, May 31st at 10AM. A private family burial will immediately follow after the services at St. Timothy's. Rest in peace, Irene, Mom, and Nana. Your love, faith, and joy for life legacy will live on in the hearts of all your loved ones.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valerie Foster
May 31, 2024
Irene was my friend and colleague at Red Mountain High School. She was the kindest, most loving teacher I have ever known. She was a positive force for students and teachers alike. But even more, for me, she changed my life! She kept urging me to teach a little book called Night about Holocaust survivor, Eli Wiesel. I finally did. That was the catalyst to my writing my own book about Auschwitz survivor, Helen Handler, which is now archived in over six countries. Without Irene, it would not exist. Thank you for everything, Irene. With love, Valerie Foster.
Rodney Ross
May 30, 2024
In 1975, Irene and I were paired as team teachers at Powell Junior High. Working with her was a joy. She was positive, fun, and exceptionally professional. I knew she was a devoted family woman who valued her family above all. I respected her deep spiritual convictions. I have not seen her in decades, but consider working with her to be one of greatest blessings of my career. God bless and be with Irene and her family.
Pam Baack
May 27, 2024
I taught with Irene many years at Red Mountain. She was a class act. She was knowledgeable, kind, and ALWAYS positive and supportive. Her students, as well as her colleagues, loved her.
I know she will be missed by her family, but I pray they find joy is knowing the wonderful impact she had on everyone with whom she came in contact.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Billie Cox
May 27, 2024
Irene was such a caring, dedicated teacher at Red Mountain High School. She respected her students who respected her in return. And as a colleague, Irene was always ready with a smile, a kind word, and a willingness to help whenever and wherever needed. My condolences to her family as I know she was loved deeply.
Sandra Marinella
May 27, 2024
Irene was a wonderful teacher and a shining light at Red Mountain High School! She cared about our students and they knew it. It was an honor to work with her.
Sharon Hain
May 27, 2024
Irene was a beautiful lady and wonderful teacher. I am thankful she was my colleague at Red Mountain HS.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Irene Frias's name
How to support Irene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Irene Frias's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
