Romana Pena Rios Padilla

Romana "Rocky" Padilla

April 21, 1945 – August 2, 2026

"A life filled with love leaves behind a legacy that never fades."

With profound love and deep sorrow, we celebrate the life of Romana Padilla, who peacefully entered eternal rest on August 2, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on April 21, 1945, in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Teofilo Peña and Genoveva Peña. Romana lived a life defined by perseverance, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. Through years of hard work as a farmworker, she demonstrated remarkable strength and sacrifice, always placing the needs of those she loved above her own.

To her family, Romana was much more than a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother—she was the heart of the family. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness, where family gatherings created memories that will be treasured forever.

Romana found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her family and friends, trying her luck at the casino, playing Bingo and Lotería, tending to her flowers, and enjoying the moments that brought smiles to those around her. One of the little things that made her unforgettable was hearing her ask, "Do you have a lighter?"—a phrase her family will always remember with love and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Teofilo Peña and Genoveva Peña; Sisters Lupe Pena Asuncion, Juana Gaylord, brother Jose Rios Pena, her son, Robert Padilla; and her son Michael Solorzano.

She is survived by her eldest brother Reynaldo Herevia, sons Jose Rene Padilla, Abraham Padilla, Emiliano Trevino, and Andrew Solorzano. Daughters Irene Alegria, Lisa Padilla, Jeannie Padilla and Wendy Padilla.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Pedro Arturo Garcia, her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends who were blessed to know her. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the love she shared and the lessons she taught will remain with them forever.

A Tribute from Her Family

"Our mother was the matriarch of our large family and kept us together. She was our strength, our comfort, and our safe place. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and never stopped caring for those she loved. There are no words that can express how much we will miss her. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing her love will continue to guide us every day. We will carry her memory with us always, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We love you, Mom, today, tomorrow, and always."

Today we gather not only to mourn her passing, but to celebrate a beautiful life that touched so many. May we honor Romana by loving one another as she loved us—with kindness, generosity, laughter, and an open heart.

Forever in Our Hearts.