Rosalinda Chavez Peña
Rosalinda Chavez Peña, 88, of Potterville, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Rosalinda was born in Corpus Christi, TX on October 29, 1934 to Jesus and Guadalupe (Gracia) Chavez. Mrs. Peña was a lady that loved being with family, singing, music, and dancing, In 1953 she married the love of her life Eliseo Peña and had three children born in Texas. They then moved to Michigan where job opportunity was booming and had two more children. Rosalinda was a busy mom; cleaning homes in Charlotte, and an active member of American Legion Post #42, at one time serving as the Auxiliary President, facilitating events for the Legion, all while she was raising her children. Rosalinda and her husband, Eliseo along with their five children, created many fond memories with trips between Michigan and Texas, visiting family in both states and visits to Mexico to teach the family about their history, culture, and heritage.
In 1980 they moved back to Texas with their youngest two children to care for their parents, Mrs. Peña started teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten at Our Lady of Perpetual Health Elementary School, and was active with St. Josephs choir and an active part of a socialite group called the Golden Girls who put on activities for the community. Her life changed when she became a member of the only woman Mariachi trio called “Las Madrugadoras” with Mary Stancil and Mary Wells. Rosalinda was able to do her life dream – sing for a living. One particularly fond memory for her children was a trip to Chicago. “Las Madrugadoras” participated in the Heritage Festival and they were able to see their mom sing on stage in front of hundreds of people. But most of all she loved her family very much and her family loved her very much.
Rosalinda is preceded in death by her husband, Eliseo; her mother and father; brothers, Aldolfo Chavez, Ruben Chavez, Jesse Chavez, Alonzo Chavez; sisters, Lucille Jalifi, Gloria Gutierrez; and great-grandson, Quenten Gonzalez.
She is survived by her children, Rosa (Marten) Saunders of Charlotte, Eliseo (Janet) Peña of Charlotte, Robert (Susan) Peña of Lake City, Mark (Lisa) Peña of San Antonio TX, and Andrea M Peña, of Potterville; 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Jose (Mary) Chavez and Ramiro Chavez, both of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Friends are encouraged to support the Peña family by attending services or sharing memories on Rosalinda’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, February 25, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with her Life Celebration at 11:00 a.m. at Celebration Church in Charlotte. Rosalinda will be laid to rest with her husband in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 11th. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with the funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.