Monica Peña

Monica Peña, affectionately known as Moni, passed away on April 21st, 2024. Born to Rosa M. and Everardo Peña on December 8th, 1987, she lived in East Chicago, IN before moving to St. John, IN. Monica was a beloved administrator at Wentworth Intermediate School in Calumet City, IL, where she had a passion for her work with students and staff alike. Her workplace was not just a job, but also a second home. Aside from her work, Monica enjoyed a special bond with her Goldendoodle, Leo, and her mom’s Welsh Terrier, Bruno. She handled their boundless energy with great patience and love, characteristic of how she treated so many in her life. Monica also enjoyed many hobbies, starting with Ballet Folklorico early in life, to decorating, baking, event planning, and babysitting in later years. Monica is a graduate of Bishop Noll Institute and Purdue University Calumet. Monica’s journey was sadly cut short, and she is now reunited with her grandparents, Faustino Rodriguez, and Everardo and Olivia Peña. She is already being missed deeply by her surviving family, including her brother, Carlos; parents, Rosie and Lalo; her grandmother, Carolina Rodriguez; and all her cousins, aunts, uncles, godchildren, and so many friends. Services for Monica will begin with a Visitation on Friday, April 26th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. Monica’s life will be celebrated with a Mass on Saturday, April 27th, starting at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deodar Street, East Chicago, IN 46312. Following Mass, Monica will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Peña family.