Raquel Ambrose Peña

In Loving Memory of Raquel Peña

May 21, 1939 – September 17, 2026

Our beloved mother, Raquel Peña, passed away on September 17, 2026, in Laredo, Texas, at the age of 87.

To describe our mother simply as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend would never be enough. She was a woman whose life was defined by her faith, her kindness, and her willingness to put others before herself.

Raquel was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her relationship with God was an important part of who she was. She loved reading her Bible, watching the Hope Channel, and singing the hymns she loved so dearly. Her family will always remember hearing her singing or whistling church hymns—even early in the morning when everyone else was still sleeping. That was Mom. She sang when she was happy, when she was busy, and simply because music was in her heart.

Mom had a heart for helping others. She never needed to be asked twice when someone needed help. She would help her neighbors, friends, family, and even those she barely knew, expecting absolutely nothing in return. If someone needed something she could provide, she gave it. She taught us, not through grand speeches, but through the way she lived her life, that kindness is something you give freely.

She found joy in the simple things in life: reading her Bible, working on puzzles, watching Elvis Presley movies, watching the Hope Channel, singing her favorite church songs, and spending time with the people she loved.

But her greatest blessing was her family.

For 69 years, she shared her life with her beloved husband, Jesus E. Peña. Together they built a family and a lifetime of memories. She was a loving mother to Jesus E. Peña Jr., Ricardo Peña, Rebecca Peña, and Rosalva Peña. Although the loss of her son, Jesus Jr., was a deep sorrow, her love for him never faded.

To her children, Mom was so much more than a mother. She was the person who cared, the person who helped, the person who prayed, and the person who always wanted the best for her family. Her love was often expressed in the little things—the things that may not seem significant to others but become the memories we treasure most after someone is gone.

We will remember her voice.

We will remember her songs.

We will remember her laughter.

We will remember her kindness.

We will remember the way she helped others without expecting anything in return.

And most of all, we will remember how deeply she loved her family.

Raquel was preceded in death by her parents, Ambrosio Ambrose and Clara Ambrose; her beloved son, Jesus E. Peña Jr.; and her siblings, Gaspar Ambrose, Enrique Ambrose, and Rosalinda Castillo.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 69 years, Jesus E. Peña; her children, Ricardo (Delia) Peña, Rebecca Peña, and Rosalva Peña; her sister, Clara De Leon; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Although our hearts are broken by her absence, we are comforted by the faith she lived by. We know that the love she gave so freely will continue through every life she touched.

Mom, you spent your life taking care of everyone else. You gave so much of yourself without asking for anything in return. Now it is our turn to carry your love with us.

We will miss hearing you sing.

We will miss your voice.

We will miss your presence.

We will miss you more than words can ever express.

But we will carry you with us—in our hearts, in our memories, in the lessons you taught us, and in the love you gave us every day of your life.

Until we meet again, Mom. We love you, and we will miss you forever.

“Her children arise and call her blessed.”

— Proverbs 31:28

Special Thanks

The family extends special thanks to Delia Peña, Clara DeLeon, and Serenity Hospice for the loving and compassionate care provided to Raquel during the last part of her life. Your kindness, support, and dedication will always be deeply appreciated.

Pallbearers will be Ricardo Peña, Rene Ambrose, Gaspar Ambrose Jr., Ayden Christopher Servantes, Jesus E. Peña III, Ambrocio Montes, Armando Castilllo Jr., Valdemir Valdez.

The Peña family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, 310 W. Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041. A Prayer Service will be held at 7p.m.

Visitation will continue Friday, September 25, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m. The funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 9:45 a.m.

Interment will follow at City of Laredo Cemetery, located at 3200 N Meadow Ave, where she will be laid to rest.

Services are under the direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations, 310 W. Hillside Rd., Laredo, TX 78041; (956) 724-6060.