With profound love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Refugia (Maria) G. Pena who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 15, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on June 8, 1930, in Pawnee, Texas, to the late Marcelino and Natalia Garza, Refugia (Maria) witnessed nearly a century of history, change, growth, and love. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to serving her family. She touched countless individuals with her unwavering devotion to the beauty of life on earth; leaving behind countless lessons graced with her strength, kindness, wisdom, and resilience that will continue to live in the minds and hearts of those she touched.

To know Refugia (Maria) Pena was to know a woman of remarkable character: Humorous in her demeanor, witty with her words, and kind with her presence. She embodied the value of perseverance, compassion, faith, and unconditional love. She leaves a legacy through her stories, traditions, lessons, guidance, humor, food, and presence that she shared with all.

In her final days, she spoke of being on a long train ride and seeing many people she had known throughout her life. Intimately, we believe it was a reflection of the extraordinary journey she traveled; a life filled with experience, relationships, and memories spanning nearly a hundred years. While her earthly journey has ended, her love and influence remain with us. Leaving an enduring mark on all who knew and loved her.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, free of pain, and reunited with those who went before her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Benjamin C. Pena and her children Pedro Garza, Carlos Pena, Roy Pena, Ruben Pena, and Oscar Pena, Diana Buentello and Manuel Garza, brothers, Jose Garza, Estaban Garza, Félix Garza, Ignacio Garza, Ysidro Garza, Juan Garza and sister, Maria Garza Soria.

She is survived by her daughters Martha Mayorga of San Antonio, Janie Vasquez of Kingsville, Rosie Andrado of Ingleside, and Alma Taylor of Brownsville; her sons, Albert (Mary) Pena of Kingsville, Benjamin (Bootsie) Pena of Tomball, and Angel Pena of Brownsville.

She also leaves behind a legacy through her 35 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

"Those we love do not go away. They walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near; still loved, still missed."