Maria "Lucy" De la Luz Peña

Maria De La Luz Ortega-Peña, “Lucy” 89, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2020. Lucy was born on October 9, 1931 to Jose Ortega and Maria David Gallegos-Ortega in El Paso, Texas. A proud 1949 graduate of Bowie High School, Lucy graduated at the top of her class. It was while attending Bowie that Lucy met the love of her life Roberto Armando Peña, “Honey” when he offered to help her carry her books home from school. They were married September 26, 1953 and remained very much in love while cherishing 66 beautiful years together. Known to Honey as “Mi Reyna,” Lucy was his world. A devout woman of the Catholic faith, Lucy was a member of Guadalupe Church, as well as a loyal supporter of the National Shrine of Saint Jude. She volunteered her time and talents while serving as PTA Treasurer and President at Alta Vista and Crockett Elementary, along with being a band booster at Austin High School. A proud Bowie “49er,” both she and Honey enjoyed attending and supporting Bowie Alumni dances and events with high school friends throughout the years. Lucy’s biggest pride was of the family that she and Honey raised. She would honorably tell others that her occupation was that of a “homemaker.” The “Peña Home” was her castle, and she was in every way her family’s queen. The warmest of hosts, and the finest of party planners, Lucy welcomed everyone who entered into her home with her big beautiful smile. Many of her days she could be found with an apron wrapped around her, peacefully humming a tune in her humble kitchen, while she cooked one of her amazing dishes such as her famous potato salad, delicious flautas, or her perfectly baked cakes and cookies. For the epic “Peña parties” that are remembered by many, Lucy always made more than enough food for her guests. Her famous quote was “para que no falte.” Honey’s “Reyna” put so much love into celebrating holidays and passing on traditions to her children. Lucy was quick-witted and had the sharpest of intellects and memory. An amazing storyteller, she brought back life of days long passed with her words. One of her fondest memories was that of the joy of the aroma of vanilla baked cookies that her dear grandma made every morning. Lucy had the most beautiful of hands. Hands that raised not only her children, but her grandchildren, hands that sewed the most creative of Halloween costumes, dolls, curtains and clothes, hands that painted beautiful treasured ceramics, hands that held Honey while they danced, hands that wiped away her family’s tears and fixed what was broken, and hands that came together to pray, to serve, and leave behind a legacy of love. She is preceded in death by her father, Jose Ortega, and mother Maria David Gallegos-Ortega. Left to honor her life and continue her legacy are her husband Roberto Armando Peña, her children Bobby Peña Jr., Reuben Peña (Laverne), Dotty & Art Corral, Letty Villalobos, Denise Ramirez, Jennifer McMillan-her granddaughter that she raised as her own (Abraham), Liz Wells (Les); her grandchildren Krystle McClain (Brandon), Abraham Villalobos, Adrian Villalobos, Robby Corral, Alex Villalobos, Alexis Pell (Cristobal), Robert Peña III (Myra), Jeremey Peña (Karina), Matthew Peña, Angela Villalobos (Andrew), Christopher Peña, Samantha Peña, Brianne Wells, Jackie Wells; her great-grandchildren Madisyn, Ashlyn, Noah, Aaron, Diego, Tyler, Oden, Luna, Mathis, and 2 on the way; her brothers Jose Luis Ortega “Woody,” Ramon Ortega, and extended family, beloved nieces and nephews. The Peña Family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Carmen Escandon for the quality of care, compassion and attention that she gave to our mom. She always believed Dr. Escandon was her angel on earth. Services to be held privately at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Family and friends are welcomed to join through Facebook live Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. “Mom, thank you for always being there for us, for teaching us, listening to us, helping and forgiving us, loving us, and always, always paving the way for us. We will work hard to continue your legacy of love. Until we meet again sweet mom, Grandma Lucy. You were the epitome of a lady.”