Reyna Forward's Obituary
Weslaco, Texas — Reyna Forward, 81, passed away on March 4, 2026, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 19, 1945.
Throughout her life, Reyna carried herself with quiet strength, compassion, and a deep trust in God that shaped every part of who she was.
Reyna married the love of her life, Horace James Forward, and together they shared nearly fifty years of marriage filled with devotion, faith, and family.
Their marriage was built on love, patience, and a shared commitment to their faith and family. Together they created a home centered on faith, care for others, and strong family values.
Reyna devoted her life to serving others. A devout Catholic, she believed deeply that love and faith were stronger than any hardship. She found comfort in prayer and in her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Reyna was compassionate and caring, always looking for ways to help others. She frequently visited those who were ill, offering prayer, encouragement, and comfort. Through life’s challenges, Reyna trusted in God with patience, believing that His grace and mercy would always prevail. Early in her life, Reyna dedicated a year serving as a nun, reflecting the deep spiritual calling that remained a guiding force throughout her life. She prayed the rosary frequently and often reminded those around her with simple wisdom: “Just have faith in God.”
Reyna was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She cherished her family and took great joy in sharing the Word of God and teaching through scripture. She was also a wonderful cook, known especially for her delicious pies and cakes. Reyna enjoyed sewing and treasured the time she spent playing with her grandchildren.
She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, James and Elisa, whose presence brought her great happiness and pride.
She had a deep appreciation for God’s creation and enjoyed traveling, spending time in nature, and helping others. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, as she loved bringing her family together and surrounding them with warmth, faith, and unconditional love.
She also had a special love for flowers and the beauty of God’s creation, often finding peace and comfort in them.
Reyna was preceded in death by her husband, Horace James Forward, and her parents, Jose and Virginia (Angeles) Zenil, and her sister, Maria de Jesus Zenil.
She is survived by her only son, Jim Forward, and his wife, Gaby, along with her beloved grandchildren, James and Elisa, her brother, Galdino Zenil, her sister, Clemencia Zenil, and other family members who will continue to honor her legacy of faith, kindness, and love.
Reyna will be deeply missed by all who knew her and remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Those who knew her will always remember the simple wisdom she shared so often: “Just have faith in God.”
Her prayers, love, and example of faith will continue to guide and inspire her family in the years to come.
Her family finds comfort in knowing that the faith she lived by her entire life now welcomes her into the eternal presence of God.
She is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Horace James Forward.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 10am-9pm, with a Holy Rosary at 7pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco at 9am, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Reyna will be laid to rest with her late husband at Rio Grande Valley Veteran's Cemetery.
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