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Ita celebrates her 100th birthday!
Francisca G. Pena "ITA" celebrated her 100th Birthday. She was honored with a dinner and reception January 19, 2008 given by her daughters Dora Tate, Mary Lou Espino, Rachel Gutierrez and families at the Large Community Hall.
Local and out of town relatives and friends were there to celebrate "Ita's" Birthday.
Out of town guests included Mr.& Mrs. Inez Gutierrez, David Mack Gutierrez, Jonathon Gutierrez, Mr.& Mrs. Robert Gutierrez, Raquel Gutierrez, Bobby Gutierrez, Gilbert P. Gutierrez, Sandra Gutierrez, Toni Inez, Amanda, Kenny Lopez, Dora , Macrena, Elodia, Denae Tate, Dionne Evans, Julie , Tamara Sanchez, Paul Kelly, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sanchez, Cathy , Estephan, Cassandra Armenta, Mr.& Mrs. Sergio Cardiel, Sesar, Cain, Jana, Celinda , Jonathon, Dekota Cardiel, Mr.& Mrs. George Vigil, Mary, Danny, David Vigil, Julia , Olivia, Olga Lujan, Luz Elena Gonzales, Toby Alvardo, Paul Alvarado, Alvaro Alvarado, Manuel Pena, Ray Holguin, Dorothy Holguin, Nova Gutierrez Herrera, Mr.& Mrs. Eddie Jaso, Audriana Jaso, Jesus Polanco De Galindo, Frances Gonzales, Earl Grayson, Ben, Adina, Aldrick, Derek, Ben Rodriquez, Maria Fe Pena, Mary Sotelo, Mr.& Mrs. Pete Gallego, Peter Gallego, B.J. Gallego, Mr.& Mrs. Epifanio Carrasco, Manuela Cauble, Joseph Olivas , Andrew Olivas, Michael Rodriquez, Eric Rejino.
Andrew Olivas is the youngest great great-grandson, 4 months old and the son of Jason Olivas.
Francisca Galindo Pena was born January 17, 1908 in Terlingua (Big Bend). She was one of eleven siblings born to Mrs. Zeferina Aranda De Galindo and Mucio Galindo Fort Davis.
The family calls her "ITA- Francisca and "ITO" -Mack
Ita's Father died when she was very young, at the age of 4. Prior to working for the railroad he was employed by Pony Express and delivered mail from Lajitas to Alpine. Ita's mother, dearly known as "Nina" lived a long life and died at the age of 107 in San Jose, California.
Ita lived with her family on a ranch called "Rancho Arroyo" which was located near Ojinaga, Mexico. During the Mexican Revolution the family was forced to relocate to Terlingua Texas and later to Alpine.
As a young woman she worked at a small family owned restaurant. Shortly after at young age of 15, she assumed the responsibility of running the restaurant with her immediate family.
At the age of 19 she married Mack Pena ( Ito) and moved to Ft. Stockton, Texas where she helped raise her Mack's four children and she had three daughters. Their children consisted of Elena , Martina, Catarina, Joe, Dora, Mary Lou and Rachel Pena. Francisca Galindo Pena was born January 17, 1908 in Terlingua (Big Bend), Texas. She was one of eleven siblings born to Mrs. Zeferina Aranda De Galindo and Mucio Galindo of Ft. Davis, Texas.
Ita and Ito were business people. They owned several small businesses consisting of a woman's boutique, restaurants, and the infamous liquor store known as "Mack's Liquors".
Ita was always very industrious. She also loved her gardening, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and baking. She also liked to "SMELL G00D!" She is also known for her great sense of humor. Her laughter and lively disposition is often contagious.
She was widowed at the age of 52 and never remarried. Ita is known to be self-efficient and independent. In Ita's later years she worked as a caretaker for the elderly until she retired at the age of 82. She lived on her own until the age of 93.
Through the years, Ita made many trips from Texas to California. She has always been there for her family. She has been present for the births of many grandchildren, weddings, family reunions or 'just because.'
Ita's daughters, Dora, Mary Lou and Rachel were very successful at giving Ita many grandchildren. To date, Ita has 13 grand children, 47 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great grand children. The majority of the family resides in Texas and California.
Ita continues to fulfill her every role, whether it be Mother, Grandmother, or Tia with an unending grace, love and kindness. God has blessed this family with Ita, whom we have all benefited from her love. She has taught us the value of..... "Family First."
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