Evangelina Pena born October 11, 1930, in Weslaco, Texas to Antonio and Clara Morales. She was one of six children, two siblings died young 8 yrs. and 7 yrs. old respectfully . From Weslaco the Morales family moved to San Juan, Texas where her father began work as the film projectionist for the movie theatre across the street from their home. It was in the theatre that Evangelina met Abel. They were both very young, but Abel never forgot Evangelina; and from there their love story began. Abel would sell popcorn at the theatre, and he would see her often. They courted in high school, and both graduated from Pharr-San Juan -Alamo High School. Shortly after high school Abel was drafted to the Korean War, but before he left, as Evangelina loved to say, Abel came to her and said “ I am going to ask your father for your hand in marriage and you better say yes”. Of course, she said yes, and nine months later their first child was born. During their years of marriage they owned several businesses. Evangelina and Abel were married for 67 yrs., along the way having eight children, fostering another child (Ana Maria Middlebrook), and taking guardianship of a niece (Sonia Tabola). Needless to say, Evangelina always had a full house, filled with love, laughter, joy, dancing, and music. Faith was central in the family and prayer was always present in good and bad times.
Our beautiful Mother was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a self-taught homeopathic nurse, seamstress, homemaker, life coach, counselor, bookkeeper, dancer and more. She loved music and as a girl would perform at the theatre on talent night. Her favorite was flamenco dancing with castanets in her hands. Of course she danced all styles of dances just to name a few; the jitter bug, twist, waltz, cumbia, etc. Her laughter was distinct and infectious and she made friends easily and loved everybody. She made an impact on many people’s lives and she was greatly loved.
She is proceeded in death by her Father Antonio Morales ✝️, her Mother Clara Morales ✝️, siblings Antonio Jr. ✝️, Emma ✝️ and her beloved husband Abel Nolasco Pena ✝️. Evangelina left behind her siblings: Elva Tamez (Frutoso ✝️), Adan Camilo Morales (Lydia), and Alberto Alejandro Morales (Aurora).
She also left behind her children: Belinda (Baldemar Montemayor), Beyda (Silvano Aguirre II), Zelinda (Ezequiel Perez Jr. ✝️, Frank Sifuentes), Elsa (Mario R. Jorge), Abel N. Pena Jr. (Piedad), Myrna Celeste (Rudy Vela ✝️), Eva (Leo Garza, III), Toni Yvette Pena (Jana Shellabarger); and she had 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
We thank God for the years we had with our mother and the wonderful memories she left in our hearts.
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