Estela Peña Rodriguez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Estela Peña Rodríguez on March 30, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on March 22, 1951, Estela's life was shaped by both incredible hardship and boundless love. Raised by her beloved grandmother Manuela Amador from Oaxaca after the passing of her mother at a young age, Estela's early life taught her resilience, strength, and the power of family.

She graduated from Weslaco High School in 1970 and later married Horacio Rodríguez; together, they raised four children who were the absolute pride and joy of her life. Her children were the center of her world, and she dedicated herself to their care, guiding them with love, wisdom, and unwavering support.

Estela was a devoted educator for 40 years, touching the lives of countless students with her passion for learning and her kindness. She was deeply committed to her role as a teacher, and her legacy in education will never be forgotten. She inspired many to pursue an education as she was one of the first to graduate from college at Pan American University (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley).

A talented musician, Estela played the piano, guitar, and clarinet with skill and joy. She shared her love of music with her family and friends, filling every room she entered with the warmth of her melodies. She also loved to dance, embracing every opportunity to celebrate life with grace and joy.

She was a parishioner of St. Pius for most of her life and played the piano and organ for the 5 o'clock Saturday mass with her son Adrian Rodriguez and his friend Denise Reyna on vocals. She was a lector, eucharistic minister, and usher but her passion for Christ was in the arts. She organized and produced various school and church musicals having a particular fondness for her daughter’s Disney favorites like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. She played at Christmas posadas, and Easter church plays. On Saturday nights, sometimes she would play piano live at the Santa Fe Steakhouse. She played weddings and masses at St. Martin, St. Joan, & St. Pius in Weslaco and knew the organs and the acoustics of each church. Many Sunday afternoons she would play the piano to entertain her grandmother and many gathered to listen. Among her favorites were Dios Nunca Muere, Fur Elise, and Blue Moon.

Estela’s love for her family and friends was the foundation of her life. She was known for her generosity, her open heart, and her deep loyalty. Her friendships were rich and lasting, and she was always there to offer a listening ear or a helping hand.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, music, and education will live on through her children and all those who were blessed to know her.

Estela is preceded in death by her daughter, Amanda Lee Rodriguez, and survived by her children Adrian Noel Rodriguez (Maynor Eduardo Antunez), Gabriel Omar Rodriguez, and Iliana Marie Rodriguez and her grandchildren Mariano Rodriguez, Moises Rodriguez & David Alexander Coleman.

Rest in peace, Estela. Your strength, love, and light will continue to shine through your children and all whose lives you impacted.