Maria Elena Peña-Morales

Maria Elena Peña-Morales passed away peacefully, overlooking her beloved Torrey Pines beach in San Diego, California, on July 26, 2021, with her husband Hugo and sister Esther at her side. Maria was born on January 10, 1964 in Oakland, California to parents Raul Peña and Esther Fragoza. Maria attended St. Cyril’s parochial elementary and Bishop O’Dowd High School where she excelled in academics and sports, in particular, basketball. She went on to attend Chabot College in Hayward with an emphasis in business administration. 

Maria lived in Bloomington, Illinois where her two sons, Rex and Blake, were born, then moved to San Diego, California in 1997 where she did business consulting before starting her own real estate business known as TeamQ. At the same time, she joined Business Network International(BNI). She was a natural leader and was known for her high energy, enthusiasm, positivity and perseverance.

Soon after moving to San Diego, Maria met and ultimately married the love of her life, Hugo Morales. They married on April 20, 2002 and embarked on a loving romance that has lasted to this day. They were inseparable and supported each other through many personal and professional challenges along the way. 

Maria was very active in her church and devoted to her faith, participating in her church choir and forming deep, loving relationships with her church family. Her belief in God and her spiritual strength were a major part of her life and her life’s purpose.

As the self-described “Captain of Her Ship”, Maria was driven to succeed, but with a level of kindness, humility and a keen sense of empathy that made everyone around her smile. And that famous smile radiated in such a way that people grew to love her.

Maria was fun. Her laughter filled the room and was contagious. She always made sure others were comfortable and felt special. 

After a prolonged battle with breast cancer, Maria’s family is comforted knowing that she is now at peace. She was preceded in death by her father, Raul A. Peña, and is survived by her beloved husband Hugo, her sons Rex Hindrichs, Blake Hindrichs, daughter Krystal Morales-Dyer, granddaughter Clara, her loving mother Esther Fragoza, her sisters Esther Peña and Graciela Peña, her brothers David Peña, Carlos Peña and Raul Peña, and her nieces Alicia Bookman, Kristina Peña, Isabella Peña and Michelle Peña. 

A private celebration of life will be held on September 18, 2021 at her home with immediate family and shared virtually for those who would like to attend.

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