Maria Antonia Pennington

Maria Antonia Pennington, 68, entered into eternal rest on March 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She had a deep love for cooking, especially when it meant feeding her grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing, crafting, and making jewelry. Her home was always open to family and friends, and she never hesitated to offer a meal, comfort, or support to anyone in need. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Pennington, the love of her life.” Maria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister whose life was centered on faith, family, and compassion for others. Her warmth, strength, and caring spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her loving husband, John Pennington; her daughter, Dora Renteria Elder; and her son, Alejandro Vento III. She was a proud grandmother to Victoria “Tori” Vargas (Annika Aleyah Appleton), Gabriella Vargas (Christian Badillo), and Jacqueline Vargas (Aden Morales). Maria is also survived by her stepchildren and their families: daughter Lisa Mata (Simon), whose family includes grandsons McKrae Mata and great-grandson Jonathan; Westley Mata and Kylee Mata and great-granddaughters Maeve and Lennon; Grant Mata and Rebekah Mata and great-grandson Anthony; and granddaughters Leah Lancy (Derek), Elise Bennion (Elijah), Ella Mata, and Leeanne Mata. She is also survived by her son Michael Pennington; daughter Sarah Fry (Trent) and their family including eight granddaughters Leona Rogers (Matthew) and great-granddaughters Isla and Raina; Christina Blake (Keith); Em Hale Fry; Heidianna Blair (Levi) and great-grandchildren Sarah, Nova, Luna, and Owen, Sterling Wolf (Gabriel); Morgan Shupe (Tim); Tori Fry; Miriam Fry and two grandsons, Jack Hale (Samantha) and their great-grandchildren Thomas, Avery, and Millie; and Allyn Fry (McKenna). She is also survived by her son, Douglas Pennington (Amy), and their granddaughter, Megan Pennington. Maria is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Eliborio Vento, Jr., Domingo Vento (Lisa), Rogelio Vento, and Hilda Vento Aguirre. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eliborio Vento and Julia Sauceda Vento, and by her brother, Alejandro Vento. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 pm at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen, Texas. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, departing the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Harlingen, Texas. Burial will follow at Heavenly Grace Cemetery in La Feria, Texas. Pallbearers will be Vincent Vento, Rogelio Vento, Jr., Steve Aguirre, Dominic Gianni Vento, Westley Mata, and Derek Lancey. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Maria Antonia Pennington

July 27, 1957 - March 5, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services