Petra R. Elizondo

Petra Rivera Elizondo went to rest with our Lord on March 14, 2007 at the age of 95. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Paul Elizondo Sr. and is survived by her loving son Paul, his wife Irene, grandsons David, John and Richard, his wife Lucy and great-grandchildren, Adelina, Marissa and Sofia. She is also survived by sisters, Hope Enriquez and Rosa Herrera and brother, Carlos Rivera and numerous nieces and nephews. She was born in Lampasitos, Mexico and her parents brought her to the United States as an infant to escape the revolution. She lived a full life with a unique variety of experiences that she proudly shared in hopes of teaching valuable lessons. The oldest of 12 children, she helped run her family's restaurant in El Mercado for several years and would later meet her future husband and marry during the Great Depression. While her young husband battled tuberculosis, she worked jobs and raised her son making sure he was always well provided for. She also worked at the Texson clothing company and was a case worker for the Texas Department of Human Services until she retired at age 72. A devout Catholic, she cared for many and exemplified the spirit of putting the needs of others before her own. She was the matriarch of our family and guided us through many good and bad times. There were many lectures and pearls of wisdom that she would give while one would sit at the table as she served up home-cooked meals from family recipes. Unlike the delicious food, the advice was sometimes difficult to swallow. But, she had an uncanny ability of always being right. She loved campaigning for her son, visiting with long-time friends, reading, growing plants, shopping for bargains, learning all she could about everything and taking care of others. We will miss you grandma.