Every once in a while, a person enters your life that touches your heart in the most profound way. This would be Irma, our sister.

Irma Miranda Duarte Deforest was born on April 3, 1946 to Alejandro Robles Duarte and Maria Miranda Duarte in Los Banos, California.

She attended local schools and became a proud graduate of that infamous class of 1964. After graduation, she earned her Associates Degree at Palo Verde Community College, excelling in accounting. During these growing years, she was employed by Blythe Drug as a pharmacy tech and later at Union Feed Yards. She was mentored by her office manager, Dessie Day.

In 1971 she married Lynwood Deforest. From this union, Jason Robert Deforest was born. They also created Lyn-De Farms, a farming venture.

In 1981 she was ready for another venture and opened Irma's Boutique. Her fashion sense and business background were a natural combination for starting her very own business as one of the valley's finest women apparel businesses. She had a knack for presentation, and it was evident in those beautifully wrapped boxes. Christmas season was magical.

In 1998 she became the office manager for the Chairel Custom Hay team. She also became part of their family. During this period, she discovered she needed to give back to her community. She became a member of the California Women for Agriculture, Community Improvement Fund, and treasurer for The Town House Association.

Irma loved her family, friends, and community. She found peace in her catholic faith upbringing, strong and undeniable.

She was predeceased by father Alejandro Duarte, mother Maria Duarte, sister Alma Duarte, and long time companion James "Zee" Zender.

She is survived by son Jason Robert Deforest, Sisters Celia Hernandez (Alejandro), Gloria Holler (Pete), Grace Taylor (Dennis), Racheal Duarte (Mark), Brother Alexander (Cindy), numerous nieces and nephews and her dog Bronson.

Irma was the essence of class. She had it all. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Fiercely independent, smart, well read, but kindhearted, generous and fun. Most of all, she was genuine. She lived life to the fullest and happiest when shared with family and friends.

Irma will be missed by all who were blessed to have known her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 6-8pm, with Rosary beginning at 7pm at Frye Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be Thursday, June 30th at 10:00am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church with interment following at Palo Verde Cemetery.