Lucy Pena

Lucy Pena, 68 of Lancaster, CA died Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in an automobile accident near Lake Havasu City, AZ. She was born November 24, 1940 in Puerto De Luna, NM the daughter of Ismael and Rosa (Chavez) Griego. She was raised at Yeso and Fort Sumner, NM. She graduated from Fort Sumner High School, attended Eastern New Mexico University where she received her Bachelors and Masters of Reading. Lucy married Henry Pena on October 7, 1961 in Fort Sumner. She taught school for 39 years. She retired from the Clovis School District after teaching 20 years.. She continued to teach at the Lancaster, CA School district and The Migrant Education Program at Palmdale, CA, She taught at Cerro Coso College adult education program in Mojave, CA. Lucy and Henry made their home in Clovis and Portales, NM, Mojave and Lancaster, CA. Lucy loved the Spanish Novelas, her dogs Foxy and Smokey, she supported every endeavor her children and grandchildren were a part of, she could be seen at acting, soccer, cheer, roping, rodeo, baseball, parent night, migrant education and many other activities that were important to her family. Words cannot describe the incredible strength, laughter, independence, and especially love Lucy Pena embraced. Known to all for her generosity, she would give anyone anything, if she had it to give. A loving wife, an amazing mother, she always demanded excellence from her daughters, not to mention the lights of her life, her grandchildren. She was an excellent teacher, who improved the lives of all those who had the opportunity to learn from her. She was a proponent of education, believing once you had it "no one can ever take it away from you". Lucy was a member of the Teacher Association of Lancaster, California Teachers Association, Parent Teacher Association Member, National Education Association Member, and was a delegate to the NM Legislature Task Force on Education. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Clovis, St. Anthony of Padua in Fort Sumner and St. Francis of Assisi in Lancaster, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband Henry Pena of Lancaster, CA two daughters Lorraine Zapata and husband Steve of Lancaster, CA; Kathy Jo Standefer and husband Bruce of Waller, TX; five grandchildren Erica Rojas and husband Daniel of Lancaster, CA; Derek Standefer of Waller, TX; Ashlee Zapata of Lancaster, CA; Zachary Zapata of Lancaster, CA; and Jared Standefer of Waller, TX; three brothers Jim and wife Willann Griego of Portales, NM; Raymond and wife Terry Griego of Colorado Springs, CO; Romolo Griego of Belen, NM; along with many other relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2009 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 28, 2009 from St. Anthony Parish. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Rojas, Zachary Zapata, Derek Standefer, Jared Standefer, Casey Pena, Robert David Pena and Joseph Pena. Honorary bearers will be Gary Pena and Jay Don Standefer. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Lucy Pena may be made to the Denver Ronald McDonald House, 1300 East 21st Avenue, Denver, CO 80205, or go to www.ronaldhouse.org All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com