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Mrs. Melissa Petersen, 42, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on August 10, 2021, with her loving husband Christopher by her side. Her sons, close family members and friends were also present to cherish and reflect on the beautiful life of Melissa. Melissa Katherine Palitza, born on July 17, 1979, to Barbara Palitza Butler and Alfred Clarence Palitza in San Antonio, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Melissa and Christopher met while attending St. Gerard’s High School and have been inseparable from that moment on. Their union of over 18 years has blessed them with two wonderful sons, along with an abundance of love and memories to carry forward to generations to come. Melissa’s passion of helping people led her to work for over 20 years in healthcare. Through her hard work and dedication, she advanced her skills by receiving her degree in Medical Billing and Coding. She worked as the office manager/certified professional coder for Dr. Nick Shannon’s office where many considered her the backbone of the operations. Melissa was a fiercely dedicated mom to her boys and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Family came first and was above all else to her, a value she instilled in all those around her. She enjoyed accompanying her sons to many of their sporting events, proudly sharing their accomplishments. She loved traveling and spending time outdoors. Additionally, she always welcomed family, friends, and guests into her home—often hosting backyard cookouts and family dinners. Melissa will be deeply missed but not forgotten. She is preceded in death by her father, Alfred Clarence Palitza and her mother Misty Joann Marie Prestwich. Those here continuing to treasure her life are her husband of 18 years, Christopher Petersen, her two sons, Jordan and Devin Petersen, her mother and stepfather, Barbara and Marion Butler, her sisters, Ashika Gonzales and Stephanie Palitza, her brother Christopher Palitza, her mother-in-law, Yvette McFadden, her fathers-in law, Cedric Petersen and Talmadge McFadden, her brothers-in-law, Eric Petersen and Paul Gonzales, her sisters-in-law, Amber Petersen, and Briana McFadden. Along with a host of nephews, nieces, and very close friends. Mission Park Funeral Chapel North 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive San Antonio, Texas 78230 has been entrusted with all arrangements and services. Visitation will be from 4pm to 9pm on Sunday, August 22nd, 2021. Funeral Service will be at 10am Monday, August 23, 2021. Interment directly following the funeral service at Holy Cross Cemetery 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 78251. Bereavement Reception will directly follow the cemetery service at Church Gods Way Christian Fellowship. 8323 Culebra Rd. Suite 108, San Antonio, Texas 78250 In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/ven94y/updates/?fbclid=IwAR0QOXN4tsr_qqWGxvONPz53O-2A7XQRcTJoGuU8TAZXVvgBnP0Audy1wic Royalty is Forever

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Melissa Katherine Petersen

July 17, 1979 - August 10, 2021