Name: Visitation for Petra Antonia Gonzalez de McCulley
Start: 2013-12-09T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-12-10T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Angelus Chapel Mortuaries

Petra Antonia Gonzalez de McCulley, 77, slipped away peacefully on Monday, December 2nd 2013. She was born April 14th 1936 in Panama City, Republic de Panama to her proud parents, Juan B. Murillo and Juana Heredia Gonzalez, who preceded her in death along with her siblings Efrain, Juan, Hector, Margarita, Cecelia, Mercedes and Gabriela, her mother-in-law Juanita Young Morris and fathers-in-law William Sonny McCully and Clinton Morris. Petra was the co-owner and founder of Angelus Chapel Mortuaries here in Pueblo and in Colorado Springs.

Education was extremely important to Petra and she instilled that same belief into her children, grandchildren and extended family. She graduated from Abel Bravo High School in Panama in 1954 and from post-secondary Ideal School in Panama in 1957. In Pueblo, she attended night classes at Central High School, taking additional courses in History and English and was awarded a Central High School diploma in 1974. She continued her education at then-Pueblo Vocational College and the University of Southern Colorado in the mid-70's, taking courses in business and business administration. She also completed realty courses at the Jones School of Realty in 1977. Petra's love for education followed her throughout her life and she continued making it a priority within her family, as she volunteered countless hours to the PTA organizations at the schools attended by her children and her grandchildren. She was very proud that her children and her grandchildren residing in Pueblo all attended or will attend Central High School. As a loyal member of the Wildcat Family, Petra generously supported all athletic and academic activities and events and could be seen at just about anything and everything concerning Central High! She loved her Wildcats and believed in what Central High stands for. As a member of the Pueblo Central High School Foundation, she and her family began the McCulley Family Scholarship, which continues to make a college education more attainable for a Central student annually.

Petra's connection to the Pueblo community began immediately upon locating here with her husband Charles. She began as a volunteer with the Pueblo Head-Start Program and from there she went on to serve this community in a number of charitable, beneficial ways. From 1968 through the present, Petra had been or was still active in the following civic philanthropic organizations: Colorado State Fair Fiesta Day Committee (chairing subcommittees), Latino Chamber of Commerce, lifetime member of the NAACP branches of Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Community Youth Organization Board of Directors, Damas Unidas (Secretary), Club Recreativo, Panameños Unidos, Bilingual Board of Directors, Project Adelante Organization Advisory Board, American GI Forum (chaired Royalty Committee), Co-Chair of annual Mother Cabrini Pilgrimage, Bessemer Elementary Booster Club, American Legion Post 163 Auxiliary, Colorado Springs Latino Chamber of Commerce, Latin-American Club (Treasurer), Salt Creek Mother's Club, Girl's Club of Pueblo (Committees Chair), Bessemer Merchants Association, Ladies' Auxiliary of the Colorado State Hospital, Order of the Eastern Star #5, YWCA, Zonta Club, Martin Luther King Fundraising Committee (Chairperson), Pueblo Posada Board of Directors, and the Pueblo Central High School Foundation. As a Notary Public, she gained useful experience in dealing with the public and legal matters. She also assisted numerous future American citizens with translations, immigration papers and legal services. She served as a Pueblo County Elections Judge for numerous years.

In 1968, she became Vice-President of Angelus Funeral Directors and worked side-by-side with her husband and children, partnering to develop a well-respected business in Pueblo and the surrounding area. She was a member of the National Funeral Directors Mortician Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Colorado Funeral Directors Association. Her personal care and touch given to every family she served showed her genuine concern and respect for all. She personified the Angelus philosophy. She and her husband Charles were truly humbled to have received the Small Business of the Year Award from both the Latino Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce in 2013. She and Charles were so elated when selected to the Grand Marshalls of the 2004 Colorado State Fair Fiesta Day Parade. Petra loved the people of Pueblo, the city of Pueblo and she especially loved the Bessemer and Minnequa Heights neighborhoods that she called home, where she built her marriage, her family, her faith, her business and her friendships.

Petra leaves her legacy to be cherished by her loving husband, Charles W. McCulley, her children: Franklin O. (Constances) McCulley, Joseph (Claudia) DaCosta McCulley, Velkis (Greg) McCulley-Matthews, Juanita (Jerry) McCulley-Santos, Yanera (Donnie) McCulley-Sedillo, Tamisha McCulley and Lil Joseph F. McCulley; her grandchildren: Tinisha, Giovanni, Charles, Lelani, Zolanye, Ty, Yael, Charles Lee, Jachob, Jesse and Shawn; her godchildren: Raylynn and Tyson; her aunt Nina McCully of Pocatello, Idaho; her brother, Santander (Gloria) Murillo and sister, Lydia Gomez-Gibbs; nieces and nephews: Gasper, Alfredo (Noris), Yadis, Amada, Etilvia (Ricardo), Irasema (Esteban), Carlito, Luis Rafa, Mario, Enrique, Cecilio, Negro, Mariana, Hector II, Yuri, Yira and Yeri, all of Republic of Panama and Jorge (Mimin) Cortez of Colorado Springs; and her entire staff of the Angelus Chapel Funeral Homes; her little companions: ChumChum, Cuquita, Baby and Chiquta. A host of special family and friends also survive. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. George Beauvais and Jim Vigil for bringing Communion to Petra daily, to her beloved priests, to Dr. Banjoko, Dr. Urioste, Dr. Kinnet, Dr. Wasserman, the staff of Select Care at Penrose, Dr. Rawat and Bruce the NP, Moses Roque, Deb Estep, Jennifer Edwards, Jerry Butler, Crystal Maldonado, Alanna Bendixson, Zulema Cordova, the staff of Parkview Medical Center's NICU, ER, 2 East and 3rd Floor Rehab Unit staff and SRDA "Meals on Wheels" volunteers for being a part of Petra's "Care Team." Thank you to all who visited, sent cards, flowers, prayers, support and encouragement.

Visitation Monday, December 9th from 12 noon to 7pm at Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors, 1104 S. Circle Drive in Colorado Springs and on Tuesday, December 10th from 9am until 3pm at the Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors, 1102 E. Evans in Pueblo, CO. The Rosary will be held Tuesday, December 10th at 6pm at St. Francis-Xavier Parish, 611 Logan Ave, with reception to follow in the Mediterranean Room of St. Francis Catholic Church, Mass of the Resurrection, will be 10am Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 1145 Aspen Rd, Pueblo, CO. Internment immediately following at Roselawn Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial rite at St. Joseph Church Hall.

Online condolences at www.angelusfuneraldirectors.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Petra McCulley

Sponsored by Angelus Chapel Mortuaries.

28 Entries

Chris McWhirt

October 27, 2015

I am so sorry, I am just now seeing this. RIP Petra, We had so much fun when you would come in Yellow Front. You were always so happy and funny.

Bragg & McNeal Family

December 19, 2013

We give our heart felt condolences to the McCulley family during this time of loss. May you share many loving memories of your loved one in the days ahead. God bless.

Arlene Raigoza

December 15, 2013

To Charles McCulley & family,
I was very saddened to learn of Petra's passing. My thoughts and prayers are will you at this time.

Cheryl Wilson-Stewart

December 12, 2013

I was so saddened to hear of Ms. McCulley's passing. She was a warm and wonderful person. She always made me feel welcome, never like an outsider. Always had a smile and ready to help. My sympathies to not only her family but to the community as well. We have lost a shining light and she will be missed.

Theresa Lopez

December 11, 2013

She was a very kind and giving person she will be missed by all .Peralta & Lopez family

December 11, 2013

I worked at Angelus Chapel when I was 17 and right out of high school. Petra was always looking out or me and always gave me great advice. I will always love and respect her. She and my mom were the same age and left this earth in the same year. Two very wonderful women that I loved dearly, but they are getting to know each other better in heaven! love, Barbara (Armijo) Coombs

Joseph and Ernestine Leyba Family

December 11, 2013

Our family is saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. McCulley and want to express our deepest sympathies. Mrs. McCulley will always be remembered by us as a happy, loving and graceful lady, always greeting us with open arms and making us feel welcomed. She will be greatly missed. We send our prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. The Joseph and Ernestine Leyba Family (Evelyn, Andrew, Kathy, Sidney and Ralph)

Denesio "Dennis" Gonzales

December 10, 2013

Ms. Petra had a heart of gold and was always open to a chat or a quick hello. Her smile was contagious and she always made you feel special. Thank you for sharing her with all of us in the "Bessemer and Bojon Neighborhoods"! One of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. The McCulley family will always be a part of our community. With deepest sorrow, "Hito"!

December 10, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, at this difficult time. Jack and Marquerite Henderson spoke often to me about your family and about the success of your firm. Mr. McCulley it was good to meet you at the last family service here in Pocatello. May the Lord Bless all of you, Bob and Brenda Cornelison

Laura M. Domineck and Family

December 10, 2013

May it ease your pain to know that others are thinking of you with sincere sympathy and wishing you all the strength and comfort you need today and in the days to come.

We are praying for you in your time of sorrow.

Salvadore Torres

December 10, 2013

It was with deep sadness that we the Torres Family read of the passing of Petra Antonia Gonzalez de McCulley. She was a beautiful and wonderful person and will be missed dearly. Please accept our deepest condolences.

We can remember her love for our families Mexican Food at the El Nopal Restaurant and her contagious smile when she visited us or we talked to her.

We fondly remember her desire and dedication to helping the community and many different ways.

I Salvadore C. Torres as a member of the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team, and Pueblo Veterans Council and the Pikes Peak National Veterans Cemetery Committee can attest for the veterans and families to what she and your family has done in the State of Colorado and the Nation.

We remember her on different boards in the Bessemer area and her wisdom and her advice she gave to us personally, she and your family were there for all Pueblo families, including the Torres.

Our sincere sympathies to your entire family
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

The Torres Family
John Torres Sr. (deceased)
Irene Torres
Beverly Torres
John M. Torres
Salvadore C. Torres
Renee Torres (deceased)
Joseph and Andy Torres
Michelle Sanchez Torres

December 10, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family-I will miss Petra's beautiful smile and wonderful personality-I appreciate the kindness shown when we lost family. CeCe Newman

December 10, 2013

To the McCulley family our deepest regret about your wife, mother, grandmother's passing no words can express the sadness we feel she was a very strong woman,and someone to be proud of for all her accomplishments,
Charles and Petra along with their children made you feel like family and stuck with you every step of the way when you lost a loved one now its our turn to be there for them in their time of need just know that Petra had touched a lot of lives, and was someone who had a very big heart she was loved by all who knew her or had the pleasure of meeting she was an angel here on earth and now she has gone to receive her wings in heaven.
God bless you'se from your friends Lisa Falcon and Duve Leal

Ardie,Lois, Eloise Stitt, Bryant, and Cade Families

December 10, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McCulley family, for the loss of Petra.
Your family has always been there for us in our darkest moments, but you brought us sunshine and light! We are certain that we shall all meet again in the heavens, and I know our loved ones are in good company with Petra. Be Blessed.

December 10, 2013

Mr. McCulley & Family.
I woould like to express my deepest sympathy, to all of you for the loss of Petra, she will be greatly missed by so many, she was such a caring beautiful person, May it give you comfort to know is at peace and will never be forgotton. Love Marge Soto & Family

Johanna DeHerrera

December 9, 2013

Deepest sympathy she very strong and beautiful LADY.Her hands touch us all and her voice carrie I will never forget.May God bless her children and grandchildren you will live her legacy.

Tracie Roush

December 9, 2013

Sorry for the loss of your loved one. She was a true force of nature and I know her wisdom and love will be missed. The Roush Family

Terri DeGraffe

December 9, 2013

On behalf of the DeGraffe family in Colorado Springs, we send our deepest sympathy to Mr. Charles McCulley and the rest of the McCulley family on the passing of Mrs. Petra McCulley. She will be missed. We love you all and are here if you need us.

Charles Tademy

December 8, 2013

Hello Charles I am deeply sorry to hearabout your Petra.It was a pleasure to meet her in 1980 when you invited me to your home for the summer. I will always remember that summer. Love you and your family cousin. Charles F. Tademy Sr and The Tademy Family

Cheryl Blackwell & Family

December 8, 2013

Mr.McCulley, our deepest sympathies are with you at the loss of your wife and best friend??. Words can not express loss we all feel at ger home-going!! She will be missed and celebrated by all. You and your family have given and been there to help us all at our time of loss and grief. IT IS NOW our time to to be that shoulder for you and your family to lean on!!! You have our prayers and support through this difficult time!! May God Bless and Strengthen you all!!????praying for daily!!!

With Deep Sympathy and Prayer: Cheryl and The Blackwell Family

Cheryl Blackwell and The Blackwell Family

December 8, 2013

Mr. McCulley,our deep sympathies go out to you at the loss of your wife and best friend!! Words can not express the loss felt by her home-going!! She will be missed by all!! The impact that she made on all our lives will be forever celebrated and remembered??You and your family have given so much of your time and yourselves to helping others at their time of loss and grief !! IT is now our turn to be that shoulder for you and your family to lean on!! You have our support and prayers!! Praying Gods Blessings and Peace up on you and your family daily!!

With Deepest Sympathy: Cheryl Blackwell and Family

Cheryl Blackwell and The Blackwell Family

December 8, 2013

judy martinez

December 8, 2013

On behalf

tthe

On behalf of the The Martinez Family (Judy Salazar) we are sorry for your loss, may the Lord comfort your family now and always.

Blackwell Family(Cheryl,Vonda,Raymond,Eddie,Jerome,Ondrea) Blackwell

December 8, 2013

On behalf of the Blackwell Family(Cheryl,Ray,Eddie
Vonda,Ondrea, Jerome)we send our sympathy and prayers out to the McCulley family at the passing of there mother and friend. Your mother was a very kind, careing,loving and giving person! She was honest truthful preson. We will miss her laughter, smile and fun nature! She was a strong pillar and example of what we should all strive to be! She loved and enjoyed life to the fullest!!!! She always showed such friendship,love,concern, and kindness to our family and others too.. She will be greatly MISSED!!????Praying for peace and strength for the family today and in the upcoming weeks, month and years!!! May God Bless and Keep the McCulley Family??????

December 8, 2013

On behalf of the Aurora Leyva Vigil Family, we extend our sincere condolences to the McCulley family at this time. God,s Blessing to all of you during this difficult time. Raymond Vigil

December 8, 2013

Our Chandler Family would like to send our love and comfront at this time to you and the rest of the family. She will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Leonard and Marie Chandler, Pocatello, Idaho.

Roseanna Torres-Herrera

December 8, 2013

Mr. McCulley and family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Petra was a shining star with a smile that could light up a room! She will be greatly missed in all of our lives! May God bless you all with Peace, comfort and strength for the day. All my love.....Roseanna

Anna Worthington-Baltier

December 8, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss, Mrs McCulley was always so kind and helped everyone she could. She was the ideal mother, and friend to all, she will be missed. Words can't express the sorrow I feel in her passing, may the angels guide her to her Heavenly reward until we see her again in God's house. Once again I am truly sorry for your loss.

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