Irene Costa Ferreira, a native of Merced and a resident of Fresno since 1942 passed away on April 23, 2025 at her home in Fresno.

Irene was the daughter of Neil and Virginia Caetano Costa. She grew up in Hilmar and later in Fresno, attending both Roosevelt and Central High Schools. Irene graduated with the Class of 1960 at Central High School. Following High School she worked at the Equitable Building in downtown Fresno as an Elevator Operator before becoming a stay at home mom and farmer’s wife on their ranch in the Raisin City area of Fresno County.

Very proud of her Portuguese Heritage Irene along with her family were active members and participants of the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California both at local and state levels, holding numerous offices including elected State President in 2000. Irene traveled up and down the state over the years as a delegate at conventions and state board meetings and representing Fresno Civic Club #10 at many other club functions in Kings and Tulare Counties, in addition to welcoming new U.S. Citizens at Naturalization Ceremonies at the Fresno Conventions Center presenting them with American Flags. Irene was also a familiar face at the local high schools presenting Cabrillo Club Scholarships to the graduating seniors of Portuguese decent. Irene was supportive of her husband Frankie’s Cattle Roping events throughout the western states as well as his board member responsibilities at the C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Easton where they were also members of St. Jude’s Parish of the close knit community.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Earl, Ron , Leroy, and many members of the Costa and Caetano families.

Irene is survived by her husband of 61 years Frankie Ferreira Jr., her daughter Stacy Ferreira Schwabenland, and her son Darin Ferreira. She is the “Vavi” grandmother to Alexandra Mendoza, Dustin Ferreira, Shawn Schwabenland, Nick Schwabenland, Dylin Ferreira and great grandmother to Frankie Mendoza, Madeline Ferreira and Dallas Mendoza.

Recitation of the Rosary will be on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6 PM at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Church, 4636 W. Dakota Avenue, Fresno CA 93722 , Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10 AM also at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Church. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to the Kings County Cabrillo Club #9 Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 221 Stratford, CA 93266 or the C.P.D.E,S. Portuguese Hall in Fresno.