Petra Ortiz Aguilar

Petra "Pete" Aguilar, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on December 27, 2024, in Pharr, Texas. Born on February 19, 1932, in Cotulla, Texas, Pete was a woman of boundless energy, known for her compassionate heart and selfless nature. Pete's life was a tapestry woven with the love of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cresencio Aguilar, her cherished granddaughter Alisha Marie Aguilar, and her dear siblings Hilaria (Urbano+) Diaz, Eugenio Ortiz, Eduardo (Gregoria) Ortiz, Maria Josepha (Martin) Ortiz, Juan Carlos Ortiz, and Roberto (Suzanne+). Her spirit is carried on by her surviving siblings Trinidad Ortiz, Catalina (Julian) De La Rosa, Felicita (Jesus) Carrillo, Matilde (Timothy) Foster, and Eduvigen (James) Thomas. Pete's legacy includes her adoring children: Cynthia (Tomas+) Guzman, Miguel (Lynette) Aguilar, Edna (Stephen) Lucas, Lorenzo (Sylvia) Aguilar, Raul (Diana) Aguilar, Martha (Victor) Partida, and Virginia (Michael) Zapata. Her warmth and wisdom will live on through her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. 

A lover of all holidays, Pete's home was the heart of family celebrations. Her infectious laughter and penchant for bringing joy to every occasion made her the life of the party. Her passion for the outdoors spurred many family picnics. 

 Pete was renowned for her culinary skills; a great cook whose recipes were a blend of tradition and love. She was a teacher of all thing’s homemaking, passing on her knowledge of nurturing a home to her children and grandchildren. Her hands, always busy, were as adept at sewing a costume as they were at baking a pie, and her door was always open to those in need of a meal or a comforting word.

 Her character was marked by humor, acceptance, and resourcefulness. Pete's ability to find joy in the simplest of things, to laugh in the face of adversity, and to welcome everyone with open arms was a testament to her loving and funny nature. She was the personification of selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own.

As we bid farewell to Petra "Pete" Aguilar, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that brightened the lives of all she touched. Her loving presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. Pete's memory will be cherished forever as we hold her close in our hearts until we meet again.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have been a part of Pete's journey. The stories, laughter, and love shared with her have created a legacy that will endure for generations to come. The Family would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice staff and Colonial Manor Nursing/Rehabilitation for their compassion, care, and guidance that was provided for Petra and her family

As we lay Petra "Pete" Aguilar to rest, we take solace in the knowledge that her life was a testament to the beauty of giving, the strength of kinship, and the power of an open heart. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her example of love and laughter continue to light the way for all who knew her.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. rosary, Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations 1300 N. I-69C Edinburg. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations in Edinburg. 

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