Maria Irma De La Fuente's Obituary
Maria Irma de la Fuente, born April 5, 1957, in McAllen, Texas, to Irma Salinas Ochoa and Jose Guadalupe Ochoa, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Irma graduated from PSJA High School in 1975 before earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas Woman’s University. She later received her master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 1980. Her education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to serving others with compassion and dedication.
After completing her studies, Irma moved to Dallas, Texas, where she began her career as a social worker with Dallas County. It was there that she met the love of her life, David de la Fuente. Following their marriage, they moved to Chicago, where Irma served as a Crisis Manager for the Red Cross. Eventually, they returned to Dallas, where she continued her work in counseling with what is now known as Diversity Counseling. Throughout her career, Irma touched countless lives with her empathy, wisdom, and steadfast care.
At home, Irma found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved tending to her garden, watching romantic comedies, celebrating holidays, and cuddling small dogs that fit perfectly in her lap or nestled in her sweater. Music filled her home—she especially enjoyed listening to Michael Bublé, Luis Miguel, and Andrea Bocelli. She played the piano beautifully, prepared delicious meals for her family each day, and cherished quiet mornings with a warm cup of coffee.
Irma was also an enthusiastic traveler. She explored cities across the United States, from New York to Las Vegas, Colorado to California, and delighted in cruising throughout the Caribbean.
Her adventures took her abroad to Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. She believed in experiencing the world firsthand, embracing new cultures, new places, and new memories.
Above all, Irma treasured her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her husband of 42 years, David de la Fuente, and took immense pride in the character and values she instilled in her beloved children, Laura Christina de la Fuente and Marcus David de la Fuente. Her greatest joy was the time spent together—whether traveling, sharing meals, or simply enjoying one another’s company.
Irma leaves behind her brothers Jose Ochoa (Ellie) and Efrain Ochoa (Lisa) along with many nieces, nephews, and their children. She is reunited in heaven with her father, Jose Guadalupe Ochoa, sister, Yadira Judy Ochoa-Freeman, and her grandparents Hortencia Avendano Salinas and Luz Salinas, and Juanita Castaneda Ochoa and Saturnino Ochoa. She leaves behind a legacy of love as a devoted wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Her radiant smile, joyful laughter, grace, and unwavering kindness will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Sunday, February 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Restland Funeral Home, with burial to follow.
Irma’s spirit, love for life, and deep devotion to her family will be cherished and honored always
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