She graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1963. She married Merced Juan Cardona in 1968, and they lived together in Corpus Christi, Texas. Together they raised Five children.
She is survived by: her beloved husband Merced Juan Cardona, Her Children, John Patrick Cardona (Lisa Rios Cardona), Sandra Kay Cardona, David Nicholas Cardona (Monica Cardona), Peter Albert Cardona (Erica Cardona), Susan Marie Gallegos (Robert Gallegos). She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved Grandkids: Alexia Star, Gabrielle Jae (Cordell), Marissa Raelynn, Amariss Nicole, Marc John, Andrea Lynn, Ambriel Nicolette, Isabella Marie, Ryan Albert, Robby, Megan Jolis, Jose Luis and 3 Great Grandkids: Aleah Loren, Esai Nolan, Emanuel Luis. She also leaves behind her sister Susanna “Cookie” Rodriguez.
She was preceded in death by Josephine Pena (Mother), Frank Thompson, (Brother), and Josie Saavedra, (Sister). Petra worked as a Chief Operator for Southwestern Bell for many years. she enjoyed Bingo, and loved gambling from Las Vegas to Lake Charles and Kickapoo. She will be lovingly remembered for her famous tamales, her deep devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, US, on April 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Rosary at Funeraria Del Angel, 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, US, on April 6, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will take place at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, US, on April 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by Committal at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX 78410, US, on April 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
