Bernice Pena Anaya

1936 - 2020

Bernice Pena Anaya passed away on the morning of December 14, 2020 at the age of 84. She was supported by family and friends when she passed at St. Joseph's Medical Center. Bernice was born in Phoenix, AZ to Roger Pena and Ruth Morfin on Feb 1, 1936. Bernice "Grandma" Anaya loved to teach and was an English as a second language assistant for many years at both Lawrence and Leroy Nichols elementary schools before retiring. Bernice was one of the most caring, loving and opinionated people to ever live who was always able to be there for people in need whether family, friend, or stranger. Bernice loved classic country music like Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash, bowling, spending weekends and holidays with her children and grandchildren, talking on the phone with out of state son and sisters as well as taking the occasional trip to the casino with her friends. Bernice was notorious for her ability to make you feel welcomed even if it was her first time meeting you which often led to everyone calling her "Grandma" even if you were not in her family. Grandma always made sure you had a good time and left her house with a full stomach and leftovers.
Bernice is survived by her two sisters, Dora Uhalde and Bara Berreras; two children, Tony Anaya and Julie Parker; and grandchildren, Robert, John and Kathleen Dorheim, Rodney, Glenn and Michael Parker, Joshua, Jeremy and AJ Anaya. Bernice is now able to rest with her husband, children and all family members who were taken before her.
The family of Bernice Anaya would like to give special thanks to those that were always there for her:  Teresa Mojica, April Young, Tipring Henderson and Kelsey Morfey.
Due to COVID restrictions no services will be held at this time. The family will be planning a celebration of life on Bernice's birthday Feb 1, 2021. Please contact Joshua Anaya for more info: (209) 263-1424. In lieu of flowers please donate to M.A.D.D. or a donation of your choice.