Maria Elena Mendez Peña

11/25/1932 - 3/5/2025

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Obituary For Maria Elena Mendez Peña

Mary was born in Mexico City, Mexico. She came to the USA in 1935 with her mother Carmela, her grandmother Angelita and her brother Armando Mendez. She's survived by 3 siblings; Armando, Lala and Kristina. She was raised in Los Angeles and moved to the Bay Area with her husband and 5 children in 1965. She lived in Los Angeles for 30 years, San Jose for 1 year, Fremont for 52 years, 1 year in Santa Nella and 8 years in Manteca, CA.

Mary met her husband Hector Peña in 1949 and they were married for 72 years. She was 17 years old and he was 15 years. Together they had 5 children; Robert (Patricia) Peña, Linda who proceeded her to heaven on 4/25/23 (Jerry) Lajoie, Diane (Art) Muñoz, Alicia Peña and Frances Cordova.

She leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 33 great grand Children, 7 great great grandchildren and another great great grandchild in the oven.

Mary loved animals, especially dogs. She loved to dance. While she was able, you could find her on the dance floor at nearly every party or event. Mary was a devout Catholic. She loved God above all and enjoyed praying for her family and friends daily. She always spoke her mind and had a very strong personality. We can remember her roar as much as we can remember her love for us. Mary is dearly loved and will be deeply missed by many.

A special Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 10am at Our Lady Of Guadalupe, 41933 Blacow Rd. Fremont, CA.

Rosary, Memorial Service and reception will follow at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA starting at 12pm.

Services

5 Apr

Memorial Mass

10:00 AM

Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish 41933 Blacow Road Fremont, CA 94538 Get Directions »
5 Apr

Visitation

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Fremont Memorial Chapel 3723 Peralta Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
5 Apr

Memorial Service

01:00 PM

Fremont Memorial Chapel 3723 Peralta Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • Sweet Moments

    Mendez Armando sent Sweet Moments for Maria Elena Mendez Peña - 04/04/2025

    From Guero&Charlene With love and fun memories

  • Beautiful Dreams

    Suresh Nallamilli sent Beautiful Dreams for Maria Elena Mendez Peña - 04/02/2025

    Alicia, Sending our love and support as you remember your mother. - IPESRE Tools team and Thomas

  • 10 TREES

    Debbie Fundenberger planted 10 trees in memory of Maria Elena Mendez Peña . - 04/01/2025

  • Pink Tribute Spray

    Maria Kristina Mendez sent Pink Tribute Spray for Maria Elena Mendez Peña - 03/27/2025

    Rest in peace, my sweet sister, love Kristina and Glenn

  • 5 TREES

    Emerson Thwing planted 5 trees in memory of Maria Elena Mendez Peña . - 03/17/2025

Condolences

  • 03/29/2025

    You are free from pain! love you Grandma and Praise Jesus for all of us - until we meet in eternal paradise! Thank you Jesus for your blessing over her and our family! descanse en paz mi grandma mary!! Dios te bendiga en eternidad y recives ellla unidos con su primer amor Jesus cristo con abrazos y spiritu llena de gracias esperamos por merece de Jesus! rega por nosotros especialmentei papa hector, mis padres, mis tias y todos los que aman desde el cielo y alabanzamos a nuestra padre santificado! que alegre a regreso a nuestro creador por fe, amor y esperanza que ella creo todo su vida. en el nombre de jesus gracias por la vida de grandma mary!

  • 03/22/2025

    In Loving Memory of Maria Elena Mendez Peña. I've only know you as Mary H. Pena. Today, I honor the beautiful life of my grandmother, Maria Elena Mendez Peña—a woman whose strength, love, and unwavering spirit shaped generations. Grandma Mary was more than just our family's foundation—she was our warmth in the cold, our courage in hard times, and our laughter in the quiet. Her prayers held our names, her stories held our heritage, and her love held no limits. She didn't just raise a family—she raised hearts, voices, and dreams. To know her was to feel seen, and to be loved by her was to know the kind of love that never wavers. She was the fire that kept us warm, the light that guided us, and the dance in every celebration. Though she is no longer with us in body, her soul echoes in every hug we give, every meal we share, and every act of kindness we offer the world. I light this candle not just in mourning, but in gratitude—for the gift of her life, the lessons she left, and the love that will never fade. You will never be forgotten, Grandma. Thank you for everything. May your light forever shine within us. 🕯️ With eternal love, Vincent Dean Cordova, Jr.

  • 03/20/2025

    I am a long time family friend, and I've had the privilege of caring for 'Grandma', me and my daughter looked after her and also shared some beautiful times that our cherished. Memories now. I will always remember grandma for her fierce fight for life and her love for Jesus, she always reminded me to put Jesus first mija, she'd say. I love you grandma and me and Priscilla will hold your love in our hearts until we meet again. Te amo mucho

  • 03/16/2025

    MIS SINCERAS CONDOLENCIAS PARA MI TIO HECTOR Y TODOS MIS PRIMOS DESDE SAN LUIS R COL SONORA MEXICO LES MANDAMOS UN ABRAZO FUERTE MI TIA MARIA ELENA FUE UNA EXCELENTE TIA MUY BUENA GENTE SIEMPRE DESCANZA EN PAZ UN ABRAZO FUERTE Y PRONTA RESIGNACION

  • 03/16/2025

    Our condolences for Grandma Mary. I remember always talking to her about Max, and my dogs. She will be missed.

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