Petronila Pura Pena

Petronila Pura Peña, 99, passed away peacefully in her home on 4 June, 2021 in Orlando, Florida after battling dementia for several years. Celebration of Life and Memorial Services will be held on 14 - 15 June 2021.

Petronila, went by her middle name, Pura, and was also affectionately referred to as "Mamá Pura" or simply "Mamá", was born on 2 February 1922 in the quaint small country town of Bani in the Dominican Republic. She was one of nine children to Felix Manuel Peña and Paulina Peña Peña. She lived in Santo Domingo later in early adulthood where she worked as a nurse in a local hospital. Unfortunately she became a widow not once but twice and was left to raise four small children on her own. Several years later, with the youngest child now seventeen years old, the decision was made to immigrate to the United States in search for a better life. The family settled in the Bronx, New York where Pura worked as a textile and fabric factory worker. She retired in Orlando Florida where she lived the last 20 plus years of her life.

Pura was a wonderful, beautiful, and strong woman. In addition to the challenges she faced as a widow and single mother she also survived in a country that was once under a dictatorship and subsequently civil unrest. Even in her elder years and with declining health she defied the odds as she valiantly fought dementia for 7 years. She was always strong but also kind and nurturing. She loved her family and was loved in return. The name Petronila interestingly translates to Rock. And that's exactly what she was; everyone's Rock.--

Pura is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

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