Maria De Los Angeles Velasquez Castillo (best known as Maria Peña) was born August 23rd, 1939, in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila Mexico to Rafael Velasquez and Luisa De Los Angeles Escareno. Maria, Ama passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 at the age of 84.

Maria, Ama is survived by her nine children, Teresa M. Herrera and husband Saul Herrera, Carlos Peña, III and wife, Tomasa Peña, Ricardo A. Peña, Ruben A. Peña, Rosemary Peña, Yvonne M. Peña, Luz Maria Castillo Porras, and husband Roy A. Porras, Estrella Castillo and Ramon E. Castillo and wife Mayra Castillo. She was a blessed and beloved grandmother of 25 and great-grandmother of 27. Many of whom she helped raise. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters and Baby Peña.

Maria, Ama lived the majority of her life in Dallas, TX on Tumalo Trail in the "BIG PINK house", where she loved being outside working in her garden and yard, growing her rose bushes and canna lilies while sporting her unforgettable grey sweats, sweatshirt or t-shirt, a bandana, her blue apron with two pockets in the front, and her favorite black Princess Reeboks. If you knew Maria, you knew her delicious homemade tamales and pumpkin pies. Throughout her years she cared for many children, who loved her and called her Ama. Maria was a strong woman of faith who attended Lourdes Catholic Church in Dallas, TX for many years and rededicated her life to Christ at Crossroads Church in Grand Prairie.

Maria had an infamous saying, "Looking for me guys" especially when taking her photo. Now, we will be looking to her in heaven, where she is at peace with our heavenly Father, God.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Jeter & Son Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 6, 2023 at the funeral home.