Ines Peña, radiant and energetic soul from the inside out, spent 82 years of her life making those around her happy and full of joy. She always took the time to do her hair and put on her favorite red lipstick; to dance around and make sure everyone around her was just as happy and full of life as she.
Growing up, Ines (Second Oldest) had four siblings, Jose Salvador Garcia (First Oldest; Alive), Tomas Garcia (Third Oldest; Alive), Julio Caesar “Manolo” Garcia (Fourth; Passed) and Ingrid Garcia (Youngest; Alive).
She came to New York in the 1960s with her father, a Colonel in the Dominican Republic.
Ines taught her daughter everything, from sewing to being an independent woman.
Through Evelyn, Ines became a “wela” or “mami” to her two grandsons, Jeremy A. Matias and Brandon J Matias, who fondly remember her bringing a community together and creating a home for all to be welcomed. Her great- grandchildren, Oliver and Makeila, got to taste her cooking and see her in her happy spirits, as well.
She was a woman of many talents. In the 1960s, her Godmother took her under her wing in the Dominican Republic and taught her how to sew. For twenty years, Ines took this talent and was a seamstress, creating beautiful wedding gowns.
Starting in 1988, Ines spent many years as a housemaid at the Doral Court Hotel, which became the “W” Court and then Saint Giles The Court in her time there.
After many years doing the work she loved, Ines reluctantly retired in 2014. The New York City community celebrated her and the excitement she passed around for many years.
Visiting will be Wednesday from 4-8pm at Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home, 726 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Family and friends who wish to attend the visitation virtually may click the following link at any time during the visiting hours Pena Virtual Visitation Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10am at Our Lady of Solace Church, 731 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, East 233rd Street and Webster Avenue, Bronx.
My condolences to the family.
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your mom. She was a very special woman and will be missed by many. Sending prayers to you and your family.