Elsa Pena Saldana
September 14, 1951 – July 15, 2025

With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Elsa Pena-Saldana, who departed this life on July 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 73. Born on September 14, 1951, in Laredo, Texas, Elsa was preceded in death by her parents Lazaro Pena and Carmen De Anda Pena, her nephew Eddie Gongra, brother Larry Pena and his wife Alice. She was recently preceded in death by her beloved son, Steven Saldana, who will join her in burial.

Elsa was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband Santiago Saldana who shared love and life with her for 56 years; her children Daffney Saldana, and James Saldana and his wife Julia; and her cherished grandchildren: Rene Cuellar and his wife Scarleth, Corina Cuellar, Amber James, J'lisa Caldwell and her husband, Torey, Andrew Dancer and his wife Maria, along with their children Mya, Jailen, and Nyjuel.

Elsa took tremendous joy and pride in her family and enjoyed the blessing of being surrounded by them throughout her life.

She also deeply loved her sisters Veronica Obregon, Norma Bernal, and Olga Gongra; her nieces and nephews: Moses, Jennifer, Laura, Clarence, Michael, Marky, Stephanie, Sylvia, and Edith; and her grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Larry, Jayden, Robert, Kylie, Maddie, Austin, Xavier, and Eli.

Elsa is also survived by her extended family in San Antonio: Ernest Garza Saldana, Sam Saldana and his wife Gloria, Carmen Grothes and her husband Mark; and her nephews Kyle, Kevin, Elijah, and Isaac.

Elsa will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her kindness, and the light she brought into every life she touched. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and the love she shared so generously. Elsa never failed to welcome, love, and nurture a new friend or member of the family.  Join us in celebrating this

Memorial services will begin on August 1, 2025 with a visitation and rosary to honor and celebrate Elsa's life 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 8706 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston, TX 77075.

Resurrection Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on August 2, 2025 at Saint Christopher's Catholic Church, 8150 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77017  Graveside to follow at 12 p.m. South Park Cemetery, 1310 N. Main St., Pearland TX 77581.