` ` I am stunned and heartbroken , '' said actor Lou Diamond Phillips . `` Elizabeth was not only an amazing actress , she was one of the most vibrant , wonderful people I have ever known . Elizabeth Peña died recently of natural causes after a brief illness , her manager said . She recently appeared mother of Elena ( Sofia Vergara ) in ` ` Modern Family '' She .
` ` I am stunned and heartbroken , '' said actor Lou Diamond Phillips . Elizabeth Peña died recently of natural causes after a brief illness , her manager said . She recently appeared mother of Elena ( Sofia Vergara ) in ` ` Modern Family '' She .