Carmen Marie Peña

Carmen Marie Peña, age 88, passed away into the loving arms of our Lord on April 4, 2023 in Schertz, Texas. Born in San Antonio, Texas on June 28, 1934 to father, Rudolfo Michel, and mother, Mary Treviño Robuck, she was the youngest sibling of five children, with two sisters and two brothers. As a graduate of the 1953 class of Fox Tech High School, she met the love of her life, a football player named Roger Peña, who she married in 1955. As a devoted housewife, she loved to care and provide for her family as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, shopping, and staying intimately involved with her children’s various school activities. She became the homeroom mother of every grade school class, served as the PTA president, was active in the football booster club and the Boy Scout troop. For several years, she was also a substitute teacher in the San Antonio Independent School District. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she was a Worthy Matron of the Prospect Hill Chapter, and also served in other chapter offices. There she made many life-lasting friendships. In addition, she spent numerous years volunteering at local hospitals. Carmen was a woman of great strength who was tolerant of pain, and she exhibited Grace in all endeavors. She was a 40+ year survivor of breast cancer. But most of all, she was a true servant of God, a firm believer in her faith, and a role model for others.

After Roger’s retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed going out to eat, long drives, and family visits. She and Roger were together all the time in the last few years of their lives. Carmen loved to always be on the go and was always the social butterfly of the group. She was the life of the party wherever she went, and brought joy to everyone around her.

Carmen is preceded in death by her husband, Roger, who passed away on December 20, 2022. Married for 67 years, they were only apart for 105 days. Now, they are officially “together forever” as they always affectionately stated and planned for. She is also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jesse Mae Brown, along with other precious relatives and friends. Carmen is survived by her son, Ronald Peña and his wife Sharon; their daughters, Ashley (Luis) Orozco, Amanda (Chris) Hawthorne, and Alyssa (Marc) Smith; her daughter, Rosalind Johnson and husband Clark; their son Matthew and daughter Ella. Carmen, better known as “Gigi,” leaves behind seven great-grandchildren; Ryan (9), Maggie (8), Kinsey (7), Ruby (6), Bodhi (5), Maisey (3), and Charlie (2).

Carmen will be greatly missed, but we find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her Lord, and her “Sweetie,” Roger. Carmen, when asked what form she might like to return to this world as, if able, she joyously responded that it would be as a butterfly. So, whenever you encounter a beautiful butterfly, know that Carmen’s spiritual presence is nearby.

Two celebrations of Carmen’s life will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas. The Holy Rosary and visitation will be held on Friday, April 14th, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm, and the life celebration service will be held on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside interment. A reception following the life celebration service will be held in the Sunset Memorial Parlor. Fiesta attire is encouraged as Carmen loved the holiday and all the bright colors.

Remembrances are welcomed to your favorite charities in Carmen’s name.