Tena Mary Samperi Lummus: A Life in Full Color

Some people fade into retirement; Tena Mary Samperi Lummus turned up the volume. A fiercely independent force of nature and a lifelong fashionista, Tena was rarely seen without a splash of her signature red and a plan for her next great adventure. She passed away on May 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as bright and bold as her favorite wardrobe pieces.

A Leader and Adventurer

After happily retiring from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Tena embraced post-career life with unmatched energy. She brought her expertise to the University of Texas Houston Retiree Organization, but her passion for community truly flourished when she founded the St. Luke's Sunshiners.

As the group's "Chief Architect of Adventure," Tena curated legendary outings for her fellow parishioners. Whether she was leading tours of Presidential Libraries or the Texas Painted Churches, organizing high-energy casino trips, or her most famous excursion—the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston—Tena ensured that her community lived life to the fullest.

A Proud Italian Heart and a Curious Mind

A world traveler who explored three continents, Tena remained a proud Italian at her core. While she saw much of the globe, Italy remained her favorite destination. At home, she kept her heritage alive through tradition, famously frying and sharing Cardonis with those she loved.

Tena was a woman of diverse and delightful passions. She was a gifted gardener with a legendary green thumb, taking immense pride in a yard that was admired by everyone who passed by. She was also a dedicated "armchair paleontologist" with a deep love for Tyrannosaurus Rexes and the Jurassic Park saga. Whether she was tending her flowers, discussing her beloved dinosaurs, or navigating a health challenge, she was a fighter who overcame every obstacle with glamorous grit.

Those Who Went Before

Tena was preceded in death by her beloved husband and the love of her life, Hulon Lummus; her parents, John and Mary Ann Samperi; her brother, Ciro Samperi; her grandson, Jimmy Upton; and her great-granddaughter, Bonnie Bailey.

Her Living Legacy

Tena's greatest achievement was her family. She was the matriarch of a powerful line of women, raising four daughters to be as fierce and independent as herself.

She is survived by her four beloved daughters and her sons-in-law: Denise and Brett Patterson, Tracy and Kirk Upton, Mary and Craig Robinson, and Gina and Roberto Trevino.

She was the proud grandmother of Holly Patterson, Christopher (Lori) Patterson, Brandon (Anna) Upton, Nicholas Trevino, and Giuliana Trevino; and the doting great-grandmother of Riley Patterson, Bud Bailey, and Bowen Patterson.

She is also survived by her brothers, Frank (Pauline) Samperi and Johnny (Kathy) Samperi, and her many loved and cherished nieces and nephews, who will forever carry her spirit with them.

Celebration of Life

In honor of Tena's vibrant spirit and her "fashionista" heart, the family requests that guests wear bright colors (especially her favorite, red) to her services. She wouldn't have wanted a sea of black; she'd want to see the world as she lived in it—full of color and joy.

Visitation

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston, Texas 77089.

Funeral Service

Services will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Road, Houston, Texas 77089.

Pall Bearers: Brett Patterson, Chris Patterson, Kirk Upton, Brandon Upton, Craig Robinson, Roberto Trevino, Nicholas Trevino

Rite of Committal

Burial will follow at Forest Park East, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598.

Reception

A reception will follow the committal service at the BellaVita Clubhouse, 1548 North Riviera Circle, Pearland, Texas 77581.