Irene Mendez Tello Obituary (1936

Our beloved Irene Mendez Tello, age 88, was called to our Heavenly Father on Friday, August 9, 2024. She was greeted in heaven by her husband of 60 plus years, Frank G. Tello; her son, Rene Anthony Tello; her granddaughter, Olivia M. Tello; her parents, Abel Mendez and Maxine Rios; her brothers, Abel Mendez, Lee Mendez, and Raul Mendez; her son-in-law, Christopher Streetman,and her brother-in-law, Arthur Mercado. Irene Mendez Tello was born in Austin Texas to Abel and Maxine Mendez on August 8, 1936. She was one of eight children, fourth in line, and eldest daughter. She grew up in East Austin, in the Buena Vista neighborhood, and attended Zavala Elementary, Allen Junior High, and Austin High School. She married Frank Tello on January 31, 1959 and built a beautiful life together, raising their five children in South Austin. Irene provided 20 years of dedicated community service as a customer service representative with the City of Austin, Energy Department. She was a dynamic woman with a gregarious personality and infectious laughter. She was quick-minded, a fast learner, a self-starter, and self-taught in many different disciplines. She was a community activist and launched several organizations in various domains, from non-profits to social activities to political causes and religious prayer gatherings. Although her work, hobbies, and interests were multifaceted, the roles she embraced most significantly were marriage, motherhood, family, and God. She loved her children deeply and instilled a sense of loyalty, integrity, and a strong moral compass. Her legacy will live on forever in our hearts and memories. Irene’s children send their gratitude to friends and relatives for their condolences. It is deeply appreciated. She is survived by her sons, Ronald "Rusty" Frank Tello (Mary Alice) and Rory Lee Tello (Jo Ann); her daughters, Brenda Tello Horton (Charles) and Bernadette Tello; her grandchildren, Amy Villagrana, Adam Rene Tello, Rory Rene Tello (Rubi), and Gabriel Kristopher Tello; great grandchildren, Diego Leandro Tello, Rueben Francisco Tello, and Giuliana Renee DeLeon; her sisters, Margie Mercado, Stella Brittnacher (Jim), Connie Gonzalez, and Rachel Ramos, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf St., Austin, Texas. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.