Petra Merino, age 91, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2021, due to an unexpected illness. We pray that she has been reunited with her husband, Alfonso, who preceded her in death on Dec. 18, 2020.
Petra was born in Tolleson, Arizona, to parents Manuel and Josefa F. Dominguez. The young family of five lived in Portal, Arizona, where Petra and her siblings were elementary students in a one room schoolhouse, which still stands today.
In 1946, she was one of three graduates from Animas High School in Animas, New Mexico. Her aspired nursing career came to an end at St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Tucson, after she fell in love and married Alfonso, her husband of 70 years.
She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who taught her children the importance of diligence and respectfulness, in all aspects of life, including education, religious fulfillment and family unity.
Our mother was the perfect example of a homemaker, taking pride in her daily work and enjoying cooking for her family and sharing family recipe secrets. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, working on difficult puzzles and reading. Her resourcefulness, strength and dedication to family are cherished qualities that we will hold close.
She liked planning family vacations and traveling to visit family in California, New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska and Hawaii. She also traveled to Washington, D.C., where she visited all of the various museums, toured The White House, The Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery. Mini “girl” vacations to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Guadalajara were a fun time, also.
When asked by her granddaughters on her 90th birthday, which was your favorite decade? She replied “the 60’s”. What are you most proud of? She replied “my grandchildren from all my children”. Words of Wisdom? She replied with a cheer, “keep dancing”.
We were gifted by our parents, a solid foundation on which to build our lives. We honor their legacy. We will remember Mom and Grandmother (Nana) in our hearts, thoughts and memories of the times we loved, the times we laughed and the times we cried.
Her favorite quotes: “If you have trouble sleeping, pray the Rosary”, “Maria Santísima”, “Everything’s ok” and “hmm, hmm, hmm”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Josefa F. Dominguez; husband, Alfonso S. Merino; sisters, Mary D. Aragon and Toni Bernardin; and brothers, Pete and Izzy Dominguez.
She is survived by son, Alfonso, his sons, Adam and Christopher (wife Ali and children Mateo and Lorelai); daughter, Bea, her daughters Lissy and Judi (husband Tony and son Noah); and son, Rafael “Chito” (wife Sylvia and daughter Melissa).
Graveside service and interment were held Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vistoso Funeral Home in Oro Valley.
Petra’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.VistosoFH.com.