Irene DeCosta was born on February 2, 1939 in Panama City, Republic of Panama. She was the first child of Jocelyn DeCosta and Gwendolyn Murray.
Irene was a hairdresser for many years in Panama City, working at Milly Beauty Salon (Salon De Bellesa Milly) located in Santa Ana. She had many customers. Some were private, and she would go to their homes; others would come to Irene’s home.
At a young age, Irene was nicknamed "Tootsie", and till this day, she will be remembered as Tootsie.
She married Clarence Rogers, and they gave birth to five children: four boys -- Justino, Mario, Patricio and Vicente, and one girl -- Aleyda (“Tita”) who passed on to glory on June 28, 1999.
In 1977, Tootsie came to the United States where she worked at Beth Israel Hospital for twenty years until her retirement in the year 2000. Tootsie’s favorite hobbies included listening to music, traveling, cooking and visiting casinos.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2019, Irene DeCosta departed this life in Brooklyn, New York. She is survived by her husband Jaglul Hassan; her four sons, two sisters: Carmen Dolores Bruno and Yolanda DeCosta; two daughters-in-law: Elvia Rogers and Delmira Rogers; ten grandchildren: Nounie, Justin, Orly, Odris, Julissa, Richard, Danira, Denzel, Irene and Jerry; twelve great-grandchildren, six nieces, two nephews, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.
Tootsie will be sadly missed by all of us who loved her dearly!
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.