San Juana Peña's Obituary
Weslaco — San Juana Peña passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at McAllen Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
San Juana was born on September 26, 1943, in Mercedes, Texas. She married her soulmate, Felipe Peña, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work. During their early years of marriage, San Juana and Felipe traveled north each summer for work before eventually settling in Mercedes. There, San Juana devoted herself to raising her children and caring for her home while also serving her community as a substitute teacher for Mercedes ISD.
San Juana had a deep love for reading and was a devoted student of the Bible. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided her life and touched all who knew her. A faithful member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, she served her parish with dedication and cherished the saints, especially Saint Jude. Prayer candles were always lit in her home, reflecting the faith that sustained her throughout her life. San Juana believed deeply in the power of forgiveness, a value she faithfully instilled in her children and grandchildren.
Family was the center of San Juana's world. She believed the greatest expression of love was spending time together, and she treasured every moment shared with family and friends. She especially enjoyed time with her mother and siblings, whether cooking, listening to music, gathering at her mother's home on weekends, or making cherished family trips to the beach. She loved staying connected with those she loved and could often be found on the phone sharing stories and keeping up with family news.
San Juana also enjoyed walking, crocheting blankets, and listening to her favorite music. She was a devoted fan of George Strait and always hoped to attend one of his concerts.
Above all, San Juana will be remembered for her heart of gold, her gentle spirit, her willingness to forgive, and the love she freely gave to everyone around her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Felipe Peña, the love of her life; her parents, Pablo Rodriguez and Anita Buenrostro; her daughter, Rose Ann Peña-Campos; her great-grandson, Jacob Gray; and all of her siblings, Mario, Oscar, Noe, Sabas, and Olga Rodriguez.
San Juana is survived by her children, Lisa Ann Gutierrez ( husband, Edgardo), Felipe Peña Jr (Marlene Perez), and Pablo Felipe Peña (wife, Ellie); her son-in-law, David Campos, her grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Peña, Justin Magañas, Edgardo Ivan Gutierrez, Chelsea Ann Peña, Sabrina Ann Cano, Alessandra Ann Cano, Anthony Peña, Pablo Felipe Peña Jr., Fabian Gutierrez, and Abby Peña; her step-grandchildren, Brittany, Nathan, and Matthew Acosta; sixteen great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Sarah, Jay, Deron, Juelz, Bryson, Gracie, Nathan, Jacob, Cash, Gustavo Jr., Kaylanni, Axel, Jacob, Azaiah, and Arias; as well as numerous nieces and nephews whose lives were blessed by her love and example.
Her legacy of faith, forgiveness, and devotion to family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
What’s your fondest memory of San Juana?
What’s a lesson you learned from San Juana?
Share a story where San Juana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with San Juana you’ll never forget.
How did San Juana make you smile?

