She received the Republic of Latvia Order of the Three Stars (2021) for her creative work and professional achievements.
[3] Upeniece studied at Riga School of Fine Arts (1944–1946) and graduated Art Academy of Latvia with diploma work Portrait of Arturs Frinbergs (1952) under the guidance of sculptor Teodors Zaļkalns.
[2] Upeniece worked at the combine Art (1952–1980) and was a teacher of the ceramics group at Riga 45th secondary school (1964–1977).
She realized her ideas using bronze, marble, caper forge, porcelain, and fireclay.
She created portraits depicting mainly women (Astrakhan Fisherwoman, 1960; Bust of a Young Woman, 1963; Astrīda Kairiša, 1975; Maija Tabaka, 1976; Ausma Kantāne, Vija Artmane, 1977; Olga Lisovska, 1979; Elza Radziņa, 1981).