Alicia R. Peables

Alicia Rivera Peables, age 76, passed peacefully on January 12, 2026, in La Feria, Texas, where she had made her home for the past 46 years. She was born on October 29, 1949, in Brownsville, Texas, to Rosalio Rivera and Clemencia Franco Rivera.

Alicia was one of twelve siblings and grew up learning early the meaning of responsibility, love, and sacrifice. At the very center of Alicia’s world was her family. She shared a devoted life with her beloved husband, Woodrow Perry Peables Jr., and together they created a home filled with faith, laughter, food, and unconditional love. She was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—roles she cherished above all else.

Alicia showed her love the way only she could, by gathering everyone together and feeding them. No one ever left her home hungry. Visitors were welcomed with their favorite meals, endless coffee, and desserts that became legend, especially her pineapple upside-down cake and chocolate cake. Her kitchen, often accented by her signature lime-green touches, was the heart of her home and the heart of her family. 

She was known for her ever-present red lipstick and red nail polish, her warm smile, and her gentle humor. When laughter was needed, she might jokingly reach for la chancla—never to hurt, but always to remind everyone to behave. And when comfort was needed, she gave it freely. You could always count on Alicia to make you feel loved, safe, and seen.

Alicia was kind, compassionate, faithful, and deeply nurturing. She rarely spoke of her own struggles, choosing instead to carry the burdens of others. People relied on her for reassurance, wise advice, encouragement, and prayer. She found joy in cooking, sewing, teaching others, and keeping family traditions alive. One of her most cherished sayings was “4 plus one,” meaning love you forever plus one day—a phrase she and Woody shared that has now become a lasting family tradition passed down through generations.

She worked hard throughout her life, holding cleaning and cooking jobs while also serving as a Victim’s Coordinator with People Against Violent Crime and Cameron County Victim’s Assistance, quietly helping mend broken hearts and restore hope. She was immensely proud of her family, proudly displaying hundreds of photos throughout her home, each one a testament to a life devoted to love.

Alicia’s faith was the foundation of everything she did. Even in her final days, while facing hospice care, she remained joyful and at peace. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was baptized as a member of Calvary Baptist Church while in the hospital, and rejoiced in what she called her “next journey.” She sang, prayed, chose her own funeral flowers and praised God without fear. Every night, she prayed the same prayer with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

Alicia was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Perry Peables, Jr.; her daughters, Chrystal Peables and Dawn Maniscalco; her parents, Rosalio and Clemencia F. Rivera, and her siblings Rosalio Rivera Jr., Alfonso Rivera, Victor Rivera, and Hector Rivera.

She is survived by her children, Tonya Donnalicia Peables, Perry Wayne Peables (Cindy), Nona Thomas, and Donna Caswell (Bimbo); her grandchildren, Armando “ACE” Peables Flores, Ashley Esparza Vela, Yesenia Esparza, Venessa Peables, Jasmine Peables, Justin Peables, Aaden Perry Peables, Kristie Kelley, Ashley Miller, Jesilyn Stanek, Emily Maniscalco, and Daniel Maniscalco; her great-children, Carter Ganquist, Benjamin, Ryland, Peyton, J, Nora, Kenneth Jr., Willow, Troy, Holly, and JJ. Also left to cherish Alicia’s memory are her siblings, José F. Rivera (Yolanda), David Rivera (Gerlinda), Eduardo Rivera (Patricia), Irma R. Falcon, Belinda R. Aldape (Hilario), Esteban Rivera (Beverly), Miguel Rivera (Ernestina), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Alicia leaves behind a legacy of love that will never fade. Alicia taught by example—love

generously, live kindly, trust God fully. Her love lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Though her body rests here, Alicia has gone home to Heaven, where there is no more pain, no more dialysis, only peace and joy in the presence of the Lord. We take omfort in knowing we will all be reunited again one day.

All praise to God.

A celebration of Alicia’s life will begin on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home where her family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen. Following the funeral service, Alicia will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Perry Peables, Justin Peables, David Rivera, Miguel Rivera, Aaden Peables, and Chase Granquist. Carter Granquist will serve as an honorary pallbearer.