Petra Garza Sanchez, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, was called to her eternal home on February 18, 2016; at the age of 81. She was born in on October 14, 1932 in Mission, Texas; and made Austin her home as a young woman. A loving nurturer, Mrs. Sanchez devoted her life to children while working with the Austin Independent School District and La Petite Academy. She played an active role in the lives of many little ones; always forming lasting bonds. She was a committed and loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Sanchez was a lighthearted woman who loved to laugh; possessing a great sense of humor that often filled a room with smiles. She best enjoyed the simple things in life like being with her grandchildren, dancing with her husband and family breakfasts on Sunday mornings. Petra lived for her loved ones and the Lord. She was a true example of a faithful servant. No task for our heavenly Father was too menial. Her unwavering faith in God and devotion to her parish enabled her to touch the lives of many, young and old. She was a dedicated member of the Guadalupanas, Vela Perpetua, Las Carmelitas and the Sacred Heart sodalities at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Miguel Garza and Maria de la Luz Garza; and her sister Esther G. Rivera. Mrs. Sanchez is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Manuel Sanchez; her children, Maria Hamilton and husband Franklin, Rose Marie Bennett, Guadalupe “Lupe” Hernandez and husband Salvador, Rita Luna, John Manuel Sanchez and wife Debbie, Elvera Sanchez Martinez and husband Domingo; 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Recitation of Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 22, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin. Visitation will be held Tuesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Mission Funeral Home (East), 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Petra Sanchez’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to The Christopher House (at http://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved-2/donate/ or may be mailed to: Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759). Please visit www.missionmemorials.com to offer condolences and to send flowers.