Manuela ‘Nena’ Gauna Peralez Manuela Gauna Peralez, known to everyone as ‘Nena,’ passed away on May 2, 2018. Nena went into eternal rest surrounded by her children. She was born in Lockhart, Texas on Dec 24, 1927, and was the 10th of 15 children of Luis and Juanita Gauna. Nena came from a family of migrant workers. She spent her early years along with her family, working crops from various states, therefore was unable to acquire a full education. She was raised in poverty, but her family was rich in love for one another. Nena married Jesus Peralez in Jan 1948. After living in San Antonio, TX for seven years, the couple moved to southern California in 1955, then to the Santa Maria Valley one year later where the couple made their home, and where Nena lived the rest of her life. Their marriage broke up in the early 60’s and Nena was force to raise all nine children on her own, working numerous jobs to make ends meet. She did whatever was needed to ensure her children had a roof over their heads, and food on the table. She was a fabulous cook, and although she did not have much to offer, whatever she had, was shared with everyone who came through her door. Not one person left her house without a full belly. She was very creative, loved Mexican music and loved to dance. Into her eighties she was still dancing at family events and at various parties. Nena had the best sense of humor, and most of all she loved to garden. She had the greenest thumb of the whole valley! She could make anything grow. She was a very giving person and often gave her last nickel, or food from her cupboards, when needed by others. She stood a whopping 4’10” in her youth and was tough as nails; no one dared make her angry! She lived her life as she saw fit…and answered to no one. Nena is survived by her children whom were loved deeply: Jesse (Pat), Johnny, Chila Castillo, Edward, David, and Olgie Castillo. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren and siblings Maria Oliva and Manuel (Rosie) Gauna. As she made her transition from this world to the next, she was greeted with open arms by sons Gabriel, Manuel, Miguel and grandsons Johnny Castillo SR and Jeff A. Castillo, who preceded her in death. Also there to greet her at the gates were her parents, and siblings. Services will be held at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary on Tuesday May 8, 2018. Visitation and viewing at 10am and services will start at 11am, with internment following at the Santa Maria Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately after the internment at the Veteran’s Memorial Center, 500 N. Pine St, Santa Maria.