03/31/2026
Constance Bonita Irizarry (née Allen) was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on December 28, 1934 to James Allen and Edna Allen (née DeVigne). She was the third of seven children and is survived by her younger siblings, Chester, Venita, and Raymond. Constance was raised in West Philadelphia and often spoke fondly of her family’s summers in Cape May. She fell in love with and married Luis Irizarry. Together, they raised their nine children—Luis, Valencia, Geraldo (Dino), Elgenette, Andria, Derek, Darryl, Rafael, and Darla—in South Philadelphia, while continuing the cherished tradition of summering at her parents’ beach house in Brigantine, New Jersey. Connie lived a fearless and beautiful life for 92 years, filled with awe and wonder. She was exceptionally intelligent, with a remarkable memory that stretched across nearly a century. She carried a compassionate and curious worldview, with a heart full of love and a mind deeply engaged in understanding the cultures and conditions of others. She believed there is only one race—the human race—united under one Father, Jehovah God, and that all other racial labels were man-made divisions. With a “why not” attitude, Connie refused to be limited by the social expectations of her time for women, mothers, or people of diverse backgrounds. She competed in beauty pageants in the 1950s, danced on American Bandstand in the 1960s, and took her children to see her beloved Elvis in concert in the 1970s. Even in her final week, she joyfully shared stories of her travels throughout the Americas, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean during the 1970s through the 1990s. After the birth of her first grandchildren, she became “Mama”—a name synonymous with selfless love, care, and protection. She devoted herself fully to supporting her ever-growing family. Her home was always open—a place of comfort, refuge, and joy—where children could explore her many “treasures” and simply be children. Mama was always ready to sing a song, share celebrity gossip, talk about Bigfoot or alien sightings, offer a warm hug, or provide support whenever it was needed—which was often. Mama loved bold, feminine fashion, Jean Naté perfume, and her essential skincare staple, Vaseline. She enjoyed singing and dancing, indulging in good snacks, peach schnapps, tea with milk, watching her stories, and, most of all, spending time with the many children in her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a radiant, unforgettable laugh that lit up her face. She took a deep and genuine interest in the lives of others and thrived on connection. Mama was patient, forgiving, and loved each of us purely and unconditionally. We are forever better because of her. She is survived by her children, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mama endured many profound losses and years of health challenges, yet she always found strength, positivity, and hope through her prayers and her relationship with God. She leaned on her faith and found comfort in the promise of a future reunion with her beloved children, Luis and Valencia, and other cherished loved ones who passed before her. The beautiful memory of her colorful, bold, and unapologetic spirit, her unwavering character, compassionate heart, and indomitable will shall live on in all of us. We love you, Mama. Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, April 4, 2026 after 8 AM from the Rogers Funeral Home, Inc., 1426-30 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 followed by her Religious Service at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Fernwood Cemetery.
Share Online Condolences at www.rachubinskiandrogersfh.com
