Guizelda D. Peña

Mrs. Guizelda Duarte Pena passed from this life on May 8, 2020. Born July 4, 1940, to Alfredo and Elvira Duarte. Guizelda was a lifetime resident of Laredo. She graduated from Martin High School, earned her degree in Library Science at Texas Woman’s University, and her master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. She began her career as a librarian at Martin High School and opened Nixon High School as its head librarian. She retired from Laredo Independent School District after 39 years of service. While at Nixon High School, she met and married her husband, Arnold Pena, and they raised two daughters. Following his retirement, they opened and operated Laredo Driving School for over 20 years. As the matriarch of her family, Guizelda was always the heart of her family, staying in touch with all. Her home was the center of family gatherings and celebrations. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend and will remain always in the hearts of those who love her. Mrs. Peña is preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Arnold Peña. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Leroy) Medford and Annette (Jorge) Martinez; brothers, J.A. (Beth) Duarte and Ruben (Lamar) Duarte; grandchildren, Hannah Loring, Cameron Loring, Steven Loring, Lia Medford, Emily Martinez, and Audrey Martinez. Mrs. Peña is also survived by numerous loving relatives and many friends. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The rosary service for Mrs. Guizelda D. Peña will be live streamed at 7:00 p.m. on the Facebook page of Leroy Medford and Michelle Medford. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to St. John Neumann Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 11:00 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.