Petra Almaraz

​Abraham Lincoln said "All I am and all I hope to be I owe to my mother." I can say the same about my mom, Petra Alaniz Almaraz. She embodied humility, grace, kindness and love and we will miss her greatly. Petra Alaniz Almaraz (Pat as many called her) passed away at Shannon Medical Center on January 17th, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born November 3, 1947, in Robstown, Texas. Petra is now at peace joining her parents, Adelfa and Candido Alaniz and her siblings, Candelaria Guevara, Ramona Palacios, Adelfa Anzaldua, Juan Candelario Alaniz, and Candido Alaniz, Jr. That is one fun party-reunited! She is survived by her loving sisters, Maria Anita Alaniz of Refugio, TX., Maria Alicia (Glenn) King, & Zulema McShane all from Corpus Christi, TX., Diana Roy of Lafayette, LA.,and numerous nephews and nieces and cousins. She was loved by many, especially her only son, John Neal, Jr. and wife Lyly of San Angelo, TX.  She will be dearly missed by her granddaughters, Melodie (Rick) Castillo of Seattle, WA., Leanne Neal of San Antonio, TX., Faith Neal, Kaori Neal and Petra Neal, all from San Angelo, TX. Her grandson, John Neal lll and wife Coral of Belton, TX. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren, Juniper, Noah, Sabine, Ophelia, Carmen, John IV, and Sabrina. "Come here sugar!" is how she would greet all her grandchildren. They will remember her mint lifesavers, her popcorn tins, and all the beautiful quilts she made for them. Pat was definitely born with 2 green thumbs. She could turn Texas dirt into an oasis of beautiful roses, hibiscus and veggies galore. One of her most cherished dogs Cassie(yorkie)will miss her dearly and her other, dearly departed dog, Tracey(miniature poodle), will be waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again, may God bless you as you have blessed us with all your love. Know that if love could have saved you... you would have lived forever.