del Corral, Dr. Irene

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October 19, 1929 - November 16, 2015

del Corral, Dr. Irene

Doctor Irene del Corral was born in New York City on October 19, 1929. An only child to Louis Ovacek of Skalice, Czech Republic, and Margaret Nemecsek of Pàpa, Hungary.

Irene graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in Spanish from Hunter College in 1950, and was a member of Phi Beta Kapa. She was a gifted artist who as a child enjoyed roller and ice skating in New York City.

She moved to Mexico City in 1959 to work as an executive assistant, and was a trailblazer for professional women in Mexico where she met and married Attorney Jose del Corral Diego Fernandez.

In 1979 she returned to the USA with her family and moved to Richardson TX.  Dr. del Corral enjoyed languages, and was fluent in English, Spanish, French, German and Hebrew. She also studied Russian and Japanese.  Irene was a world traveler. She had fond memories of the many travels she shared with her best friend Rita Coll. She loved Mexico and had an opportunity to visit many of the country’s beautiful states.  For the past 10 years she cherished vacationing annually in Cancun Mexico with her family.

Irene was a professor of Spanish at Southern Methodist University and Richland College. In 1986 she translated “Lightning of August” by renowned Mexican author Jorge Ibargüengoitia.  In 1992 she translated Octavio Paz’ “Translation: Literature and Letters” for the “Theories of Translation: An Anthology of Essays from Dreyden to Derrida”. Among other works, she also translated the poem featured in the film “Ribbon Around the Bomb” about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

She received her Master in Humanities degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, and in 1994, she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in the Humanities (Major studies in Literature) also from UTD.

Irene was an avid reader, and a follower of political news. Crossword and puzzle extraordinaire, she enjoyed all activities and hobbies that challenged the mind. She was a master knitter.

Irene was elegant in her person and in her speech. The ultimate no-nonsense lady who always respected her loved ones’ opinions. She was a most present and supportive mother and grandmother.  A woman of few words but strong opinions. Incredibly smart, with a kind and quiet disposition. She never stopped learning.

Irene passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015. She is survived by her loving children Irene Isabel and Jose Luis, grand children Alexander and Abigail, and her life-long friend Rita (Riki) Coll of St Thomas VI.

A memorial service is scheduled for December 12th, 2015 in New York City.

She taught us all humility, grace, confidence. She will be greatly missed.

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Condolences

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Matt Keough

November 30, 2015 3:21PM

My beautiful friend... So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this chapter in life. I can see now where you got your love of life and devotion to your family and friends. What a fantastic role model your mother was. Big hugs to you.

Michelle simmons

November 30, 2015 8:21AM

Rest in peace. You raised a beautiful daughter who wears your name with pride.

Michelle

November 28, 2015 7:11PM

My sincere condolence to you and your family. You've been a great friend to me and I wish to be there for you in times like this. May your mom rest in peace. God Bless.

Laura Adams

November 28, 2015 6:08PM

What a truly gifted and amazing woman that will be missed by all. I wish the family comfort in knowing that she touched the lives of so many people who will forever be grateful.

Gene Womack

November 23, 2015 4:21PM

Your mother was a shining star from heaven here to spread a little light and love among us. She has now taken her rightful place back home in the heavens adding her light to the sky.

Ed Delane

November 23, 2015 12:37PM

Dear Irene,
My heartfelt sympathy is with you. What a beautiful inspiration your mother has left for all. It explains to me why you are so special.

Rudy Houston

November 23, 2015 12:09PM

Irene, let me echo the other remarks by saying what a remarkable woman your Mother was. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Laura Durocher

November 23, 2015 11:33AM

Recordando a tu mama con respeto y mucho cariño. Leo, Laura y Paolo

Allison Benezra

November 23, 2015 10:25AM

Irene,

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family can find comfort during this difficult time.

-Alli Benezra
American Airlines (PHX)

Leo Durocher

November 23, 2015 9:52AM

I Had the great pleasure and privilege of knowing her for many years, truly a great Lady with a heart as wonderful as her mind, she will be fondly remembered and missed by all of us who knew her.I am so sorry for your loss Irene.

Gloria

November 22, 2015 8:38PM

Irene, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother sounded like an remarkable woman.

Laura Zavala

November 22, 2015 5:04PM

fue una gran mujer a quien estoy sinceramente agradecida.
laura

Melissa

November 21, 2015 5:20PM

Irene, your mother was indeed a trailblazer. She has obviously left her imprint on this world in so many ways. I am so sorry for your loss.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Melissa

Guadalupe Garcia de Parsons

November 21, 2015 5:16PM

Nunca olvidare su sonrisa amable y gentil.
Algún dia nos encontraremos nuevamente,
hasta entonces Doña Irene.
Cariñosamente,
Chan.

Irene I. del Corral

November 21, 2015 1:29PM

Viviras siempre en mi Corazon. Gracias por todo. Te adoro. Irene