Maria Brunilda "Bruni" Pena

Maria Brunilda Pena, born August 24, 1933, in Rio Grande City, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Rio Grande City, one day after her 93rd birthday.Maria will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was the kind of woman who was always there for her family, offering love, presence, and steady care across the years. Her life was rooted in devotion to those she loved, and that devotion shaped the way she will be remembered by all who knew her.She worked for many years in the Rio Grande City School District, giving a lasting part of her life in service to her community. Through those years, and through every season of her life, she carried herself with warmth and dedication, leaving behind memories of kindness, strength, and enduring love.She is survived by her children, Maria Hilda Villarreal, Eulalio "Pipe" Cortez Jr., Herando "Kino" Cortez, Armando Cortez, Isabel C. Ramirez, Adriana L. "Cuata" Cortez, and Adrian "Cuate" Cortez; and by her sister, Minerva Garza. In the hearts of her family, Maria’s love remains a guiding presence, and her memory will continue to be cherished by the generations she helped nurture.She was preceded in death by her father, Juan Pena Jr., and her mother, Josefa Garcia Pena.Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sanchez Funeral Home, 301 East Second St. / P.O. Box 11, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Sanchez Funeral Home. A Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Los Garcias, 169 W. Old Highway 83, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. Burial will take place afterward at Rio Grande City County Cemetery,  Rio Grande City, TX 78582 

Maria Brunilda Pena’s life was a blessing to her family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faithfulness, and family devotion that will not be forgotten.