Consuelo Madrigal

Consuelo grew up in Roma.She attended elementary public schools taught by the Sisters of Mercy. Attended Incarnate Word School run by the Sisters of The Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Brownsville,Texas, as a boarder during middle school.Attended Incarnate Word College High School, as a boarder, run by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.As a young single she enjoyed attending dances and using the family car to ride with her girl friends,and going to the movies(silent and talkies) when permitted by her parents.

She also enjoyed accompanying her mother on out of town trips.Consuelo married twice,in 1932 and in 1946.Both her husbands were last named Pena but not related.She had seven children from both marriages.In the early years of her marriage Consuelo lived a very active social life.She was a member of Roma's elite Blanco y Negro Social Club,the Roma Ladies Bridge Club,The City Garden Club,and the Altar Society.Consuelo often entertained other young married couples at her house with 'tardiadas'--afternoon intimate gatherings where music,play and poetry readings, and food and sweets were enjoyed.Consuelo was an accomplished piano player.Her first husband played the violin. Together they would provide music at these noon affairs.Consuelo enjoyed spending time reading ,in Spanish and English,romance fiction and cooking and home improvement books and magazines.She also enjoyed cooking,sewing,quilting,and canning.Consuelo liked to travel to Laredo,McAllen, and San Antonio for shopping. When she lived in Laredo she enjoyed day outtings to "el centro' for shopping.Later when she lived in San Antonio she loved her trips to the malls especially when in the company of her grandghildren.Consuelo involved herself the religious and secular education of her children.The Baptism of each child was the occasion of relgious celebrations.Important each time was the selection of the 'ropon' or baptismal garb.Important as well was the receiving of the other Sacraments.Holy Communions and Marriages were big secular celebrations for her to share with her friends and family.She took a very personal approach in religious matters making sure that prayers and meaning were made clear to her child.Consuelo was a member of several PTA clubs as her children attended different Catholic and public schools.On many occasions she served on the PTA boards,as a homeroom mother,and helped with school carnivals.Fondly we remember her sitting and reviewing homework with us or just looking in to make sure it was being done.She also made sure that school,scout,and ROTC uniforms were ready for her girls and boys.Also she had mystic ways of keeping up with her kids education and all around behavior.When we were kids May and June were special months during which she sent us to evening roasary to "ofrecer flores"-offer flowers,in white attire.The liturgical and school calanders ruled.