Irene Esparza Woodard, of Waynesboro, Virginia, passed away on September 4, 2023. She was born on July 6, 1950 in Brackettville, TX and is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Wayne Woodard, parents Luis and Elodia Esparza, brothers, Jesus Esparza, Pete Esparza, Junior Esparza, Ernesto Esparza and sisters, Oralia Jackson, Evangelina Rodriguez, and Elia Ward.

Irene graduated from Brackettville High School in 1968. She worked as a Household CEO while being a military wife and mother. She worked as a paraprofessional at Riverheads Elementary and Stuarts Draft Middle Schools in Augusta County from 1986 until her retirement in 2016.

She was a former member of the Waynesboro Seventh Day Adventist Church and spent time as a counselor with the Waynesboro Pathfinder Club. She enjoyed cooking, shopping, photography, gardening, going to various theater performances and concerts, spending time outdoors and in the mountains. She was especially delighted to spend time with her family and loved ones. Her kindness, generosity, and patience touched the lives of those who knew her.

Irene was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Paul Anthony Woodard and wife Kathy of Glen Allen, VA, David Wayne Woodard and partner Mindi Utterback of Waynesboro, VA, Janice Marie and husband Michael Hartman of Ivy, Va; grandchildren: Abby Rose and Emily Rowan; Patrick Tyler, Cora Leigh, David Mason, and Lilly Madison; Natalie Claire, Alexandra Belle, Jocelyn Bree, and Jack Wayne Daniel; honorary grandchild: Liliana; and great-grandchildren: Sophia, Isabel, and Kaiden. She is also survived by her sister Eleanor Stockwell, brother David Esparza, and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at McDow Funeral Home in
Waynesboro, VA.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com