Maria Villarreal Pena was born on April 20, 1926 in Rio Grande City, Texas to Santos and Guadalupe Villarreal. She entered into rest on April 27, 2017.
The youngest of nine siblings, she was raised on her family’s sprawling ranch; one of the oldest in South Texas. There she developed her knowledge of gardening and raising livestock. As a child, she enjoyed the outdoors and watching her brothers hone their skills at calf-roping and saddle breaking horses.
Maria married Concepcion Pena on December 31, 1961 in McAllen, Texas. Shortly afterward, they settled in Houston where they were active in the Sharpstown business community for many years; numerous schools and churches benefitted from their generosity.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 47 years, Concepcion; brothers Atenogenes, Manuel, Ramon, Francisco and Jose; sisters Virginia, Emilia and Santos.
She is survived by son Rodney J. Pena and partner David R. Smith of Houston, Texas and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A special thanks to Jovan Chacier, Genae Segura and the entire staff at Quality Comfort Care Home for providing her with exceptional, personalized care over her last several years; to the staff of Fairmont Hospice for their attentive and responsive service.
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