Petra Valdes Diaz

A resident of Mendota, CA, for almost 67 years, Petra was a restaurant owner for 30 years. She was well known in the community for her cooking, and even after she closed her restaurant, Petra was contacted by past patrons to make them her famous Chile Verde. She worked for the City of Mendota for a brief period, first at the senior center, and finally at the City Hall.

Petra was a strong matriarch of her family, caring for all of her family members. In times of need, she was there, even in her later years. Never did Petra feel down, and she did everything with a smile. Whenever a grandchild came to visit, she made sure to have beans, coffee, and their favorite dish ready, even if it was only chorizo con huevo, Chile Verde, Chile Colorado, tacos, or fried chicken. She always reminisced about Mexico, her family back in Torreon, and how much she loved it over there. She was fortunate enough to return for one last trip in 2009, with her granddaughter, and was able to see her family for one final time.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Maria Diaz; her parents, Julian and Hilaria Valdes; one sister; three brothers; and a son.

She is survived by her sister, Estefana Valdes Garza, of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico; her brother, Jose Rodrigo Valdes Dominguez, of Ciudad Obregon, Son- ora, Mexico; a son, Joe Diaz of Mendota, CA; a daughter, Mary Gonzales of Fresno, CA; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many other family members; and friends, friends who considered her family as well.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Saturday, February 14, 2014, at 11:30 am. A Burial to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.