Juanita Martinez Pena

Mount Pleasant – Juanita Peña, 79, went home to be with her Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ from Ascension All Saints Hospital on Monday, January 30, 2023. Juanita was born at Corpus Christi, TX to Jesus Martinez and Maria Reyes Martinez on November 2, 1943. She graduated from Bowen High School in Chicago, IL. Juanita was united in marriage to Luis Peña Sr. in Chicago, on March 28, 1964. Juanita was employed by Encyclopedia Britannica American in Chicago and then School of Correspondence in Lansing, IL. She retired in September 2012. Juanita was also a devoted housewife and mother to her children. She felt taking care of her family was most important before any occupation. Juanita was of the Roman Catholic faith for all her life. She frequently missed and prayed for her husband who had preceded her in death on February 29, 2012. Though she was a private person, she enjoyed the company of her sisters, especially when going shopping together. She also found joy and entertainment with occasional trips to casinos. Juanita will be lovingly remembered by her siblings: Jose (Norma) Martinez, Enedina “Annie” Martinez, Elvira “Vita” Rolek, Jesse Martinez, and Rudy (Maria) Martinez; mother-in-law, Magdalena Gonzalez; brother-in-law, Rogelio Peña; sister-in-law, Elva Garcia Peña; children: Maria Peña, Laurie Erickson, and Luis (Adriana) Peña Jr.; grandchildren: Jose (Melissa) Carbajal Jr., Juan Carlos (Sarah) Ayon, Karina (Lily) Carbajal, Robert Ayon, Johnathan (Paige) Miley, Stephanie Miley, Kyle Erickson, and Luis Peña III; great grandchildren: Avien, Isaiah, Adam, Sophie, Kayla, twins – Isabella and Maya, Mileena, and Camila; nieces and nephews, Chrissy, Lisa M., Lisa G., Michelle, Jennifer, Anne, Krystal, Mari, and Rudy Jr.; and other relatives and friends. Juanita was also preceded in death by her brother, Adam Martinez; sister, Elena Martinez; and sister-in-law, Darlene Martinez; sister-in-law, Eloísa Saenz de Peña; and brother-in-law, Fidel Garcia. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, Indiana on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM with Fr. Doug Mayer celebrating. A time of visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 AM. Donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html have been suggested. Please share an online condolence, story, or memory of Juanita on her tribute page of this website. The family would like to thank all the staff members at Ascension All Saints Hospital, especially in the Cancer Center for their amazing care of Juanita.

Juanita Martinez Pena

November 2, 1943 - January 30, 2023