Lydia Peña

Lydia Peña, née De La Garza died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 surrounded by family. Lydia was born on July 9th, 1944, in McAllen, Texas to Victor and Marcela De La Garza. She is survived by her two loving sons, Dr. Rodolfo "Rudy" Peña, Jr. (Elise Lacasse), and Ricardo ”Ric” Peña (Melissa Y. Martinez), their father Rodolfo “Rudy” Peña Sr, her two grandchildren, Colin and Ariel Peña, her brother Victor De La Garza, Jr. (Mary Nell) and sisters Irma Cavazos (Dr. Jose F.), Sylvia Crowder, Aida Flores (Onesimo), and Carmen Tamez (Daniel). She was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest son, Roberto “Robby” Peña. Lydia graduated from McAllen High School, and Pan American University with a degree in Biology. She was a beloved and highly respected high school biology teacher for many years in the McAllen school system. Always seeking a challenge, Lydia transitioned into a long and successful sales career with Mead Johnson pharmaceuticals, where she retired as a nationally recognized top salesperson. She was a certified scuba diver, and swim instructor as well as a long time saxophonist with the McAllen Town Band. Always a savvy business person with a mind toward the future, Lydia was also a long time investor in residential real estate. Her successful real estate endeavors kept her busy well into her retirement. She loved to travel, both here and abroad and she passed along her passion for exploring and experiencing the world to her sons, and by extension, to her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Lydia was tremendously devoted to her sons, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a beloved teacher to many, a highly competitive Scrabble and trivia devotee, an outstanding hostess, cook and mixologist for the many that enjoyed the frequent parties and dinners that she enjoyed having at her house. She touched the lives of her many students, the nurses and doctors that she called on professionally and the friends and family that she cherished. A viewing will be held at Kreidler Funeral Home Friday, January 27th from 5 to 7PM, followed by a Rosary at 7:30. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady Of Sorrows Catholic Church on Saturday, January 28th at 9AM. She will be laid to rest at Valley Memorial Gardens at 11AM.

Tributes

Lydia Peña

January 18, 2023