Connie Pena's Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my beautiful beloved mother, Connie Maria Pena. She was born in Mexico to parents, Romulo and Concepcion Garza, she was the youngest of 5 children and the only girl. She was born on December 14, 1940, and passed away in Tyler, Texas on December 17, 2024.
Both of Connie’s parents died when she was a child, so her grandmother raised her. When she turned 18 her grandmother wanted her to come to the United States, like her brothers before her. She did not want to leave Mexico, but she reluctantly came anyway. She did not speak any English when she came here so she had to learn the language. She lived with her brother, Raul and his wife, Christina in Dallas for a while and then she went to California and lived with another brother, Romulo and his wife, Lupe. Eventually she would end back up in Dallas and after some time she met my dad, Carlos. They would go on to marry on April 28, 1963. They had 2 children, Adlai and Jennifer. The first place we lived as a family was at a rent house in Dallas and then we moved into an apartment in Dallas. Somewhere in this time she studied for and took her exam and passed to get her citizenship. I remember the day that we went to the courthouse and watched her get sworn in, though I was only 4 or 5, I still remember that day. In 1973, mom and dad actually bought a house in Garland where they raised my brother and me. We had fun times as a family in that house on Robin Hill. She loved her kids and anyone who we were friends with. My parents were not rich, but we never wanted for anything, and we had a wonderful upbringing. There were always friends, family, food, good times and a whole lot of love in that house. They would go on to live in Sachse and finally Tyler.
My mother worked as a retail clothing sales lady. She got hired on at Sanger Harris where she worked for a few years and then went to work at The Carriage Shop in NorthPark Mall. She then worked for Lou Lattimore where she stayed for about 20 years, she loved her time there working for Mr. Lidji. All along the way she was building up her clientele and making a name for herself as a very accomplished sales lady in couture fashion. She worked afterwards for a brief time for Loretta Blum. My mom would finish her career with another 20 plus years with Neiman Marcus selling couture in the downtown Dallas store. My mother was always so put together and elegant and really a true beauty inside and out in every sense of the word. That was just the way she was, she didn't have to try that is just who she was. She was always so nice and respectful to everyone. After she retired, she always had a passion for painting, so she painted many beautiful paintings. Also, she would go on to volunteer at church functions and helped many people in need. When me and Keith first got married, we could not afford to live on our own so her and my dad welcomed us in their house with open arms, I’m sure they thought it would only be for a few months but that quickly turned into 5 years. Brandon was born during this time and her and Brandon formed a close bond. But also, she became very close with Keith, and she loved Keith as if he were her own son, in fact that’s what she would say, Keith is not my son in law, he is my son. Both of my parents helped us throughout that whole time, but my mom helped in anyway throughout my whole life, whatever it was that she thought I needed or wanted, if she could make it happen, she would make it happen. I saw the way she was with people; she was humble and would give anyone anything and loved everyone, most of all her family and her dog, Dallas. And she was over the moon about her first her first great grandson, Aidan. I always wanted to be like my mom in every way. I concede that I always fall short. But she was the best example of what a true Christian really is. I didn't have to read about it or have someone tell me about it. My mother lived it, and I was a witness to it. Even in her last and worst days she always stayed so positive, so brave and oh so strong. Although she was in pain, she would have a smile on her face and just push through it. Many times, she would be more concerned about others instead of herself. I will miss her every day until I see her again. Rest in peace mom. I love you.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Carlos. Daughter, Jennifer and husband, Keith Anderson. Grandson, Brandon Anderson. Granddaughter, Ashley Anderson and great grandson, Aidan Anderson. Great grandson, Cade Smiley.
She is preceded in death by the one who called her Home, my sweet brother, Adlai Pena, her only precious son. Her parents, Romulo and Concepcion. Her brothers, Raul, Romulo, Chuy, and Jaime.
Services will be on Thursday December 26, 2024, at St Paul Catholic Church, located at 720 S Floyd Rd., Richardson, TX 75080.
Viewing - 11:00am
Rosary - 11:30
Mass Service - 12:00 noon
A formal procession for graveside to follow at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243.
Livestreaming will be available here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/_bQ5HsiI9Xk
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