Isabel J. Peniche

Isabel Julia Peniche, admired for her strength, humor, and unwavering positivity, passed away on November 11, 2024. Born on December 6, 1944, Isa was known for her warmth, generosity, and the undeniably loving spirit she brought to the world.

Isa is survived by her loving husband Enrique “Henry” Peniche - a US Army veteran; her daughter Elizabeth "Lisa" Granata; her son-in-law Major (US Army, Retired) Derek M. Granata; her sister and brother in-law Silvia M. Borges and Pedro L. Borges; her nephew and niece Lieutenant Colonel (US Army Retired) Pedro F. Borges and Sylvia M. Hernandez; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins. With an extensive family, Isa’s reach was as far as it was wide with family ties consisting not only of blood, but also bonds of the heart through numerous friendships. Isa was a joyful presence immediately lighting up any room she entered. She was cherished deeply by many, and her legacy is one of unyielding kindness and generosity.

Isa and her daughter Lisa were best friends. They talked every day. No one knew her better. Nothing brought Isa more joy than knowing her daughter was happy and safe. She was very grateful knowing that Lisa had an excellent partner. To her, Derek was a blessing who loved and still loves Isa in kind.

Isa was also blessed to have a wonderful husband. She first met Henry in school in Cuba, but they didn’t fall in love until they were reunited years later through their aunts. Married for nearly 58 years, they were fortunate to travel together around the world through cruises and numerous other excursions having many unique experiences they shared with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Isa will take place on November 17, 2024, from 4pm to 11pm at Caballero Rivero Sunset, 7355 SW 117 Ave, Miami, FL 33183. Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life are welcome. Her burial will take place on November 21, 2024, at 1pm at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 FL-7, Lane 3, Wellington, FL 33449.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been created in memory of Isa for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/4Mami_and_her_StJudeChildren

This was her charity of choice for decades, so it would be a grand gesture to donate to this charity as a way to honor our beloved departed.

Isa’s loss is deeply felt by her immense family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity to those whose lives she touched. Her life served as a testament to her philosophy that “you can be a survivor, or you can be a victim” and that “the world moves on, even when we’re not ready.”