Delia Nella Mireles Peña

July 10, 1937 – August 19, 2017

Mrs. Delia Nella Mireles, 80, beloved and dedicated wife, mother, sister, educator and friend was called into the eternal kingdom of heaven on Saturday, August 19, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Delia Nella was born in Laredo, TX and had been a lifelong resident.  She attended Antonio M. Bruni Elementary, L. C. Christen Jr. High, was a 1955 graduate of R & T Martin High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Texas A & I in Kingsville, Texas.  She was a dedicated teacher at L.I.S.D. (Buenos Aires/Katherine Tarver Elementary) for 39 years where she instilled the importance of an education in her students.  Delia Nella was an active member of the Laredo Area Retired School Employees Association.

Delia Nella wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, and pursue a career in police work.  However, her father discouraged this and at his advice, she became a teacher.  Reasoning that by having a career in education she would have a good job and would have time for her family.

Delia Nella was known for being a "very strict" teacher and loved every one of her students.  What was amazing, was that she could still recognize and would remember her students after decades of time.  She would get very happy when she would see them all grown up.  She would keep in touch with many of her prior students over the years and would enjoy speaking and reminiscing with them.  When this would happen, it was very obvious to her children that it made her very happy.

On November 3, 2010, Delia Nella experienced a life altering event.  With no warning, she had a stroke and had to adjust to a "new normal".  It was a rough road, however, Delia Nella would not give up on reaching her goal, to one-day walk again.  In 2014, Delia Nella was approached to join a newly formed organization, "The Laredo Stroke Support Group", where she and family met other stroke survivors, family members and caregivers who understood what she was going through and could help her throughout her recovery via stimulating social opportunities, wellness programs & activities, and a developing network of local resources.  Within the Stroke Support Group, Delia Nella enjoyed spending time with the other Survivors participating in Modified Yoga, Fitness & Wellness, Music, Gardening, and especially, Art Therapy, where she blossomed a talent that she never knew she had.

In her free time, Delia Nella enjoyed keeping up with current news events, completing crossword puzzles, listening to music, chatting with family and friends on the telephone, and attending movie premiers with her children, as well as, many other various social/community events.

Delia Nella now joins her parents, Police Sgt. Jose Peña, Delia Casso Peña, brothers Javier Derly and Rinaldo Daniel "Momo" Peña, and the love of her life, her husband, Army Sgt. Jose Eduardo "Pepe" Mireles who preceded her in death, as well as her beloved four legged companion of 19 years, "Peewee".

Left behind to cherish the countless joyful memories are her children Jose Eduardo Mireles Jr. and Delia Nella Mireles.  She is further survived by her brother Jose (Janie) Peña Jr. of San Antonio, her sister Melba Darlinda Alardin of Laredo, several cousins, nieces, nephews, her friends from Martin High School Class of 1955 as well as many close dear friends.

Special thanks to the following, for the excellent care and support provided to Delia Nella:  Dr. Luis M. Benavides, Dr. Ralph Nimchan, Dr. Mohsen Ghadimi-Mahani, Dr. Gary Unzeitig, Dr. Reynaldo Godines, Dr. Manuel J. Gonzalez, Doctors Hospital (2nd/4th Floor & ICU Nursing) Staff, Doctors Hospital Infusion Center Staff (Sylvia, Lorna and Norma), HEB North Creek Pharmacy Staff, Laredo Mobility Service, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center and the Laredo Stoke Support Group.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 1, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. on San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017 departing from the funeral home chapel.  Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church.  Committal services will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Laredo Stroke Support Group on Delia Nella's behalf. Please visit www.laredostrokesupport.com or email knowstroke956@gmail.com for more information.