On Monday, March 27, 2023 Genevieve Jaramillo Pena entered eternal rest. She was 94.
She was born in East Los Angeles, California to Antonio and Catarina Jaramillo on July 20, 1928. She was one of seven children. Her siblings include Lorenza, Natalia, Consuelo, Angelina, Pablita, Antonio, and Macedonio. They came to Silver City, built their home, by hand, with adobes they made themselves, at the very top of La Capilla. Genevieve’s life of service began at a young age, tending to her family. She was self-made seamstress and cook.
In the forties, she and her sisters were hired to work on preparing for the railroad. While the able men were off at war, these women were hired to complete this job. Also, she worked at Watt’s Clinic and babysitting to help her family make ends meet.
At the end of World War II, she met Raul Diaz Pena. They married and made their home in North Hurley. They had the pleasure of living near her in-laws with whom she grew very fond of. After the birth of her daughter, Virginia, they moved to Silver City. Five years later, she would welcome the birth of her son, Raul. She and Raul made the decision to raise their children in the catholic faith. They attended St. Mary’s Academy. She and Raul volunteered their time to ensure tuition was paid and their children were happy. They were also blessed with neighbors who became family, Mr. and Mrs. Angel Alcaraz, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gutierrez, and Mr. and Mrs. Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Mesa, and Mr. And Mrs. Sanchez.
As time passed, she found herself employed at Western New Mexico University. This came about with the help of her neighbor, Cecilia Gutierrez. Along with this new adventure, she learned to drive, thanks to Cecilia. She often spoke of how much she loved to drive to and from work. In addition, she had the pleasure of working side by side with her sisters, predomindominately at Ritch Hall for the next twenty-five years.
If her hands weren’t busy tending her family or yard, she was in the kitchen. Sunday dinner was a constant in our lives. Rain or shine, dinner was waiting for us always. We all piled in her house and feasted on her flavorful dishes. We also witnessed her example of love and charity, in what she prepared, how she served us, and her patience in letting no one sit alone at the table.
She expressed herself in the dishes she prepared. Although simple recipes, they were extraordinary experiences. Her delicious molé was one of her specialties. Her mother-in-law, Virginia Diaz, taught her how to cook. She found her deepest service to others through preparing food. Her favorite phrase was “What can I make to eat? I’ll make it in jiffy.”
A gentle and kind soul. Quick to love and serve. She never complained about one thing and claimed to be “made of fierro”. Yes, indeed, you were the strongest and gentlest force in our lives. Grandma, we love you “a hundred-million times!”
She is survived by her daughter, Virginia P Cruz and son-in-law, Art Cruz. Daughter-in-law Anna Peña. Her sisters, Angelina Garcia and Polly Marquez (Ramon). brothers’ in-law Miguel Peña and Walo Peña Della) and her sister-in-law, Teresa Peña. Grandchildren Monica Cruz-Arvidson (Chris), Artie Cruz, Luis Cruz; Vanessa, Raul, Vicente (Ilene), Veronica, Alicia (Ron), and Genevieve Peña.
Great-grandchildren, Ramon Vigil, Sebastian Cruz (Shantell), Salvador Cruz, Brandon Medina, Marcelina Cruz-Arvidson (Dom), Josh Medina, Adrianna and Jazmine Peña, Joe Pena, Juanito Flores, Carolina Cruz-Arvidson, Violet Cruz, Jordyn Alarcon, and Justyn Cruz.
Great-great grandchildren Sofia Peña-Chavez, Ezno Cruz and Illyana Arvidson-Espinoza
Godchildren: Danny Marquez, Sandra Ortiz, James Palacios, Stella Sierra, Joanne Herrera, and Rudy Peña.
Pre-deceased by her husband Raul D. Peña, her beloved son, Raul J Peña, sisters Natalia, Lorenza, Consuelo and brothers Antonio and Macedonio. Grandson, Raul C Peña, great great-granddaughter, Sofia.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 30th from 5:30-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to be recited by Deacon Bill Holguin at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 31st at 9:30am at St. Vincent Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Raul D. Peña.
Pallbearers include Luis Cruz, Chris Arvidson, Sebastian Cruz, Salvador Cruz, Vicente Peña, and Josh Medina.