Vera Jean Pedroza

Vera G. Pedroza, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 2, 2026. A lifelong resident of San Antonio, Vera was born on November 18, 1948, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Gorena.

Vera was a proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Her life was defined by resilience and an extraordinary work ethic. As a young single mother, she worked at Sommers Drugstore and later built a long career at Kmart, from which she eventually retired.

Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Vera pursued a second career in healthcare. She graduated from nursing school and became a Registered Nurse (RN), specializing in psychiatric care. She was a fierce advocate for her patients and remained dedicated to the psych field until her retirement from the profession. She will be remembered by her colleagues as a strong, passionate nurse who cared deeply for the vulnerable.

Beyond her professional life, Vera was a vibrant woman with a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor. She was a devoted sports lover and a legendary San Antonio Spurs fan. Above all else, her family was her world. She cherished every moment spent with her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Helen Gorena; her son, John Bitoni; grandson, Seth Pedroza; brothers, Daniel Gorena Jr. and David Gorena; sister, Lenora Gorena; and brother-in-law, Jack Ruiz.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Stanford and husband Rodney; her grandchildren, Brian Bitoni, Megan Salazar-Franklin and Husband Waldron Franklin, Chelsey Salazar and fiancé Shawn Mitchell, Miranda Salazar; Xenya Pedroza and her beloved great-grandchildren, Milania Franklin, Waldron-Carter Franklin, Julien Mitchell, and Amela Mitchell. She also leaves behind. Her sisters, Connie Ruiz and Mary Jimenez (Benny); her brother, Robert Gorena (Lisa); and two nephews who she cherished Jack and Charlie Ruiz also a host of extended family, friends, and former colleagues.

Her beauty, her laughter, and her strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive guests from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

A Committal Service will follow at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237.