Evangelina "Nina" Peña

Evangelina “Nina” Peña, 102, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in Tomball, Texas. Evangelina (Nina) Peña was born August 23, 1917 in Laredo, Texas to her parents, Leopoldo and Elvira Gonzalez. In 1939 she married Javier Peña and they had six children: Javier Jr., Adriana, Roberto, Federico, Carlos and Cristina. As their family grew, so did their business known as Humble Touring Service. Nina founded her own real estate company which was known as Town & Country Realty of Laredo in 1970. She served as President of the Laredo Board of Realtors in 1977, 1978 and 1982. Nina was active in the creation of the Laredo Multiple Listing Service in 1977 and encouraged realtor education at Laredo Junior College. She also served on the National Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, encouraging local businesses and entities to improve living conditions for low income areas. In 1982, Mrs. Peña received the “Past President Award” and was named Laredo Realtor of the Year. Nina was elected director of TAR in Jan 1985. Throughout her work in Laredo, Nina was active with several organizations such as the Rotary Club, International Good Neighbor Council, Beype Club, Laredo Art League, Holding Institute, St. Joseph and Ursuline Academy. The Webb County Heritage Foundation presented her with the Restoration Award for the adaptive reuse of the building at 1708 Victoria in 1989. When she retired in 2000, she dedicated herself to painting and traveling. Through her life, Nina continued to grow as an artist. Her oil paintings depicted her travels and love of art. She settled in Spring, Texas in 2011 until her passing February 19, 2020. Mrs. Peña was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Javier Peña; parents, Leopoldo and Elvira Gonzalez; siblings, Olga G. Decker, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Leopoldo Gonzalez; grandson, Jorge L. Benavides Jr.; great-grandson, Ramon A. Peña Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her children; Javier (Grizelda) Peña Jr., Adriana Peña, Roberto Peña, Federico (Edna) Peña, Carlos (Linda) Peña, Cristina P. (Izzy) Lara. Mrs. Peña is also survived by 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; her brother, Armando Gonzalez and many other relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to St. Patrick Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow to the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.