Zenaida Pence

Zenaida Madrid Pence, known to all as 'Sandy,' was born on October 18, 1944 in El Paso, Texas. She passed away on March 12, 2025 in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 80.
Sandy is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Pence of 46 years, parents Felizario and Maria Madrid, her brothers Luis, Richard and her sister Grace.
She is survived by her favorite daughter, Carmen Pence and by her "whole world" Victoria (Mark) Behrens and Taylor (Clayton) Schmidt. Sandy is also a loving 'Ama' to her great grandkids Lane (7), Kynlee (5) Behrens and soon to be great granddaughter Ms.Schmidt in September.
Family was everything to my mom, Sandy's siblings include Sonny, Gilbert, Yoli, Rebecca, Gloria, Irene and Adela whom she adored and loved. She has countless nephews and nieces whom she cherished and wanted nothing but the best for them. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for any of her family. Sandy was known for her warmth, kindness and ability to make a house feel like home. Everyone was welcomed and encouraged to stay as long as they would like.
Sandy was born and raised in El Paso, Tx where she would help her parents in the field and went to school. She played in the drumline and graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1963. Sandy met her to-be husband, Gerald Pence, who was stationed at Fort Hood. Sandy moved to Austin, Tx in late 1960's with her husband Gerald. She started working in 1966 as a Card Punch Operator for the IRS. Sandy later became a housewife and in 1972 she had their only child, Carmen Pence. Sandy started working for the City at the Austin Public Library as a Supervisor in the early 80's. During this time, Sandy took several business courses at Austin Community College and maintained a 4.0 gpa and later retired from the City. Sandy remained in Austin for over 45 years until she moved to Round Rock, Tx and then later settled in Georgetown, Tx.
Sandy was a devoted Catholic and loved visiting other parishes and explored several old missions. She belonged to the Legend of Mary at St. Helens Church where her faith led her to grow spiritually and the ability to reach out to as many people as she could. Sandy's apostolic work included to visit the sick and homebound, hospitals, nursing homes and a detention center for women where she would pray, sing and discuss different topics of the Bible. My mom is truly an inspiration for her dedication St. Helen's church and to the Legion of Mary. God was her true light and love.
In early 1970's Sandy became a belly dancer. She would hold classes in her home and was an instructor at a Recreational Center in Austin. I believe she loved the music, glamour and glitz of the costumes most of all. Sandy enjoyed bowling and belonged to a bowling league in Austin for 3 decades. She received numerous trophies, plaques and badges while traveling with her team to other cities. My mom and dad always had some friendly competition as well and it's still up for debate on who's the better bowler. Sandy was an avid runner during her 30's and 40's. She loved going on the Hike and Bike trail around
Townlake (later known as Lady Bird Lake) and around the neighborhood. Sandy participated in several Capitol 10k runs and other running challenges. Sandy loved all types of music especially if there was a "good beat" so she could dance to. Every year she would go to the Austin's Aquafest where she could listen to a little bit of everything. Last month in February we listened to a live band at the Broken Spoke in Austin where she swayed to the music and sang along. In early 1980's she would break out the Atari console and play PacMan a lot and I mean a lot. My mom would keep playing to see if she could beat her top score and always wondered how many levels there were and then Ms. PacMan came along and that's a whole different story in itself. She definitely would have fit in today's world of gamers. Sandy had a need for speed. She would get a kick out of waiting at a red light anticipating if she could 'beat' the car next to her. It was normal for my mom to race and normal for the passenger to hold on tight. She stopped racing when she stopped driving at the age of 78. She loved watching any sports (except golf, she said it was "boring") especially the Houston Astros, Longhorns and the Cowboys. We had a great time at the Astros World Series and it's a memory that I will cherish. My mom's latest game was going to the Lady Longhorns softball game in February 2025. Dallas Cowboys is her other team. She would often say "I wonder if the Cowboys are going to play today" when clearly we were getting ready to watch them. Sandy enjoyed eating and trying new foods but it wasn't food unless she had her fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. "The hotter the better" she would say. Jalapeños on everything but not on her Rocky Road ice cream. In her later years, she took pleasure in walking, to just be outside and enjoy the sun. She spent many hours outside planting and watering flowers and raking the yard. She would rake for hours at a time and this repetitiveness would bring her calmness and sense of accomplishment. She loved her breakfast and having her morning coffee on the back porch listening to the birds and her wind chime. We all can't forget about Bella, "Bella Bella," her spoiled dog. Bella didn't leave her side for 2 years and Bella changed her life in so many ways. Bella will miss her 3 course meals and my mom's lap.
My mom loved her friends, her family and strangers she would meet. Her life was full of love and kindness. She was proud to share the word of Mary and Jesus and is now blessed to be their side. She will be looking from above and will be right beside you, just like she did before. Thank you for everyone's love, prayers and support. We love you mom, Carmen
Great grandkids thoughts.
Kynlee (5) "I love you so much. I hope you see Jesus and God and I hope you are having a great time with Pappy. I hope you ride BuzzBoy. I miss you."
Lane (7) "I love you. Watch me at my baseball games. Do they play baseball in Heaven?"