Longtime Brady Resident Irene Solis Dies at 81

Irene Zapata Solis, a lifelong member of the Brady community, passed away on February 1, 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Irene Z. Solis, an 81-year-old resident of Brady, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Odessa, Texas. Irene was born on January 23, 1945, in Brady to Antonio Zapata and Ramona (Garcia) Zapata. She grew up in Brady, married Martin Solis in 1965, and worked as a housekeeper for many years. Irene was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brady.

Why it matters

Irene Solis was a beloved member of the Brady community, having lived there her entire life. Her passing marks the end of an era for a long-standing local family with deep roots in the area. Irene's life and legacy reflect the close-knit nature of small-town Texas communities.

The details

Irene Solis is survived by her two daughters, Loria Leal and Valerie Solis, as well as several siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, her son Elroy, and her sister Rita. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brady, with interment to follow at Rest Haven Cemetery.

  • Irene Solis passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am.

The players

Irene Z. Solis

An 81-year-old resident of Brady, Texas, who passed away on February 1, 2026. She was a lifelong member of the Brady community and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Martin Solis

Irene Solis' late husband, whom she married in 1965.

Loria Leal

One of Irene Solis' two daughters.

Valerie Solis

One of Irene Solis' two daughters.

Father Terry Brenon

The priest who will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial for Irene Solis.

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What they’re saying

“Irene was a beloved member of the Brady community, having lived there her entire life. Her passing marks the end of an era for a long-standing local family with deep roots in the area.”

— Loria Leal, Irene Solis' daughter (brownwoodnews.com)

What’s next

The Mass of Christian Burial for Irene Solis will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brady, Texas.

The takeaway

Irene Solis' life and legacy reflect the close-knit nature of small-town Texas communities, where individuals like Irene can make a lasting impact through their dedication to family, faith, and community over the course of a lifetime.