Our mom, Petra Valdillez passed away on Tuesday, June 4th peacefully in her sleep at age 96. Petra was born on October 19, 1927, in Lemon Grove, California to Ramona Cordero and Jesus Osuna. She was always proud of her Lemon Grove roots even though she was raised in Encinitas by her loving grandparents, Ramona and Antonio Cordero.
Our father, Ralph was a proud marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. They met at a post office in Encinitas. They were married on April 24, 1947, until his death in 1994.
Mom never drove legally, but when our dad got sick and could no longer drive, my mom, at age 63 received her drivers license and drove for about the next 20 years. It was a big accomplishment and we were very proud of her.
Mom relished in her family. There was a total of four kids, Patricia Leal (deceased) and spouse, Jose (deceased), George Valdillez and spouse Alicia Mendez, Corina Trevino and spouse Rocky, Ruben Valdillez and spouse Carol.
She had a total of 7 grandkids: Jennifer, Annette, George Paul, Matthew, Rusty, Jeffrey and Ralphie. She also had 7 great-grandchildren: Sophie, Aiden, Devon, Shyanne and Mya. Finally, she had one great-great child, Alex.
Also, my mom had three sisters: Mary Pierce, Louise Trelstad and Emily Doberowsky (deceased). She always loved being one of the sisters and the oldest as well.
Mom is finally reunited with our dad. His loss was huge for her and the family and she never got over it. Now they are together, so we have solace in that fact. We will miss mom as she was a constant presence in our lives but now, we must let her go. But we will not forget her and her place in our lives.
A visitation for Petra will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at El Cajon Mortuary and Cremation Service, 684 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. A graveside service will occur Monday, June 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Dr, San Diego, CA 92102.
