Petra Celedon

1939 - 2023

PETRA CELEDON

May 13, 1939 September 19, 2023

The most remarkable green eyes closed for the final time on September 19, 2023. Petra Celedon 's death is felt by innumerable lives that she influenced and touched. She was born in Cameron, Texas on May 13,1939 and lived in San Antonio prior to her family relocating to Bakersfield, California. Texas held a special place in her heart because of happy family memories. Her dad 's death at a young age and ensuing hardship at home, molded her to be an independent and fierce survivor. She found escape and adventure in the books of the public library and redemptive joy in Methodist Youth Foundation activities, establishing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, her savior. She was a bright student with a lifelong penchant for grammatical accuracy. Petra loved playing softball, and significantly helped care for her younger siblings. Petra was never one to cower or shy away from a challenge or perceived challenges. She stood her ground and didn 't mince words, all of her life. Many quickly learned, behind the tiny frame and beautiful face, was a force to be reckoned with.

In her twenties, she met the man she considered the kindest and most loving person she had ever known, Ral (Ralph) Celedon. Love blossomed and without hesitation, he instantly became a dad to her two daughters. Their love story resulted in forty-eight years of marriage. Petra devoted herself to motherhood, eventually welcoming a third daughter into their family. Petra served as a scout leader, parent volunteer, cheer coach, room mom, and board member of the athletic booster club. She was a fixed presence at her daughters' athletic and extracurricular events, forming enduring bonds with some of her daughters' friends.

She was a voracious reader, meticulous seamstress, avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and a tenacious opponent in card games and dominoes. No matter the game, contest or sport, Petra played to win! Yet her most cherished hobby was raising desert tortoises. In the 1980's Petra began raising desert tortoises, fueled by her passion for conservation efforts. She was particularly fond of her first three tortoises, Bartholomew, Tedrow and Mildred. Petra loved the finer things in life and was known for her love of shopping. A devoted sports fan, had the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers heard her armchair coaching, they surely would've won more games!

After raising her daughters, Petra began a new chapter as an instructional assistant in local classrooms. She began by working with children with disabilities, later becoming an aide at Foothill and South High Schools. Her heart was with struggling students and troubled youth, and she never gave up on them. At South High, she transitioned to become the Special Education Department secretary, where she formed deep and abiding friendships.

Petra's generosity knew no bounds and influenced the trajectory of many lives. She extended love and support to those within her sphere, always quick to provide assistance, whether it be housing, transportation, clothing, food or a beautifully wrapped gift. Her devotion extended equally to the Cadena and Celedon sides of her family. Petra and her husband embodied the spirit of Matthew 6:1-13, making their home a welcoming haven for gatherings with delicious meals and non-judgemental acceptance. She played a vital role in raising nephews and nieces and lovingly shared her resources.

Had she known the joy and fulfillment grandchildren would bring to her life, she would've had them first. Petra's love multiplied when she became, "Grammie." She wholeheartedly supported their academic, athletic, performing arts and church endeavors. She beamed with pride that her grandchildren were college graduates and had immeasurable joy with the arrival of two great-granddaughters.

Petra relished attending many events of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and enjoyed trips to various destinations across the country. She loved traveling with her grandchildren, letting down her guard a little and enjoying life from their perspective. No matter the circumstances, Petra was forthright and unwavering. Her shrewdness and snappy banter made lasting impressions. She frequently meditated on Psalm 25, particularly verses 1,6,7, and 11. We will miss her dearly, but we find solace in knowing that she overcame great adversity, lived a life full of love and pressed on to her heavenly calling.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Celedon; parents, Bonifacio and Justina Cadena; siblings, Placido Cadena, Julie Walker, Barney Cadena, Tina Ciminieri and Jolanda Ortega; She is survived by her daughters Patricia and husband Joe Gonzales, Etta Sharp, Carla and husband Dana Wilson; grandchildren, Ja'Nette and husband Ethan Beck, Joseph Gonzales, Dylan Wilson and wife Madison, Jared Sharp, Lena Claire Wilson, Elliott Wilson; great-granddaughters Sabella and Aubrielle Beck. She leaves behind her sister Inez and husband Phillip Ruiz; her family by marriage, Margaret Aguirre, Romero and Florentina Celedon, Peter and Adriana Celedon, and Mary Ann Celedon. Pallbearers include her grandsons and nephews, Louis Ciminieri and Joe Johnston.

Petra's philanthropic spirit extended to various charitable organizations over the years. In her memory, charitable donations may be directed to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) at https://umcmission.org/umcor/. Let us also remember her by telling our loved ones that we love them more, by reaching out to youth in need, by generously tipping our cocktail and food servers and by rooting for people who have the odds stacked against them.

Visitation will be held October 6, 2023 at Greenlawn Funeral Homes Southwest, Celebration of Life Center, 2739 Panama Lane, from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 4600 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, California on October 7, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

www.bakersfield.com/obits