Mary Olga "Penny" Peña

Mary Olga “Penny” Peña went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 13, 2011. She was born in San Antonio, TX on November 9, 1933 to Jose V. and Nicolasa C. Peña. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert C. Peña. Penny is survived by her sisters, Aurora “Rory” Rivera and husband Raul, Mary Jessie Villarreal, Paula Fernandez and husband Manuel; sister-in-law, Patricia Peña and numerous nieces and nephews.

Penny attended San Antonio Technical and Vocational High School. Upon graduation she went to the University of Texas in Austin and Brackenridge Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. She continued her education during her career and received a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of the Incarnate Word. As a registered nurse she worked at both Santa Rosa and Wilford Hall Hospitals. It was while at Wilford Hall that she decided to join the Air Force and served proudly for 15 years during the Vietnam War Era leaving with the rank of Major. She was stationed in Ohio, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Madrid Spain and Athens Greece. It was while in the service that Penny developed her love of travel. She took many trips yearly throughout the United States and visited many foreign countries in her lifetime. After retiring she volunteered thousands of hours of her time to many community, civic and charitable organizations. Penny was a devout Catholic, attended mass daily, was involved in many church organizations and activities. She was extremely proud to be a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Visitation will be 6-9:00 pm on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest, 78209 at Harry Wurzbach Rd. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Sharon Wilkes for her care. Also, to “Oasis” for their concern and many phone calls and a “Very Special Thanks” to “Nita Olsen” for being such a good friend to our sister and our family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Penny’s name to the St. Pius X Catholic Church Capital Campaign or the St. Pius X Catholic Church St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.