Marta Idalia "Mama" Peña

Marta Idalia Peña (née de Jesús), passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, at the age of 92, after a decade-long journey with Alzheimer's Disease. Until her final days, she brought joy and warmth to all who knew her.

Born on January 16, 1932, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Lilia and Ramon de Jesús, she was the first of six children, 3 Martas and 3 Joses, raised in a loving and faith-filled home. She was predeceased by four of her siblings: Marta Irene (Molinaris), Jose Enrique, Jose Ramon, and Jose Luis. Her younger sister, Marta Ivonne still resides in Puerto Rico.

Marta graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in 1950 and went on to earn a degree in Secretarial Sciences from the Business School at the University of Puerto Rico in 1952. She married the love of her life, Candelario "Cande" Pena, in 1953 and they moved to the mainland US shortly after the wedding, since he would go on to serve as an officer in the US Army. They were married for 56 years until Cande's passing in 2009. Together they raised four children: Sonia Idalia, Eric Ivan (predeceased), Kenneth Joseph (Milena) and Joanne Marie (Harris). The crowning glory for Marta, affectionately known as Mama, were her grandchildren: Brian Lee Stack (Yuko), Kenneth Peña, Alexis Marta Peña, Steven Eric Harris (Paty), Eric Peña and Milena Peña; as well as her great-grandchildren: Kenneth Peña, Hana Marta Stack and Shay Adele Stack.

Marta was a devout member of the Catholic Church, where she found great comfort and community throughout her life. Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, providing strength and solace in her journey.

Marta was a woman of grace, wisdom, and boundless love. A mother who guided with gentle strength, nurtured with unwavering care, and shared her love of Christ through her joy and warmth. Marta known for her strong faith, dedication and unconditional love, was also very witty, loved to dance and was full of joie de vivre.

An avid lover of orchids, cooking, and dancing, Marta's hobbies reflected her vibrant and spirited personality. Her home was often filled with the fragrant aroma of delicious meals and the soft rustle of her moving gracefully to her favorite tunes. Her greenhouse, a riot of colors, was a testament to her skill and patience in nurturing her beloved orchids.

Marta was an angel on earth, who loved and was loved by everyone. She made the world a better, happier place. Even as her condition advanced and she was unable to speak, she found ways to show affection with an endless supply of "besitos" and appreciation to all the friends and caregivers at the assisted living and memory care facilities, becoming a favorite of the staff. With the help of her daughters, she always kept a jar full of chocolates to share with visitors. She and her family will always be grateful to every one of her compassionate caregivers.

The family has entrusted Fred Hunter Funeral Home in Fort Lauderdale with the arrangements. Marta's funeral will be held Friday, August 30th at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery located at 11411 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL. Her life will be celebrated and remembered for the love and light she shared with everyone around her. Her legacy of faith, joy, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.