Petrona Navas, lovingly known as "Ita," passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Born in El Salvador, Ita lived a life defined by courage, love, and devotion to her family. She married her beloved husband, Ernesto "Ito" Navas, in El Salvador, and together they welcomed seven children.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in the Leonard-Lee Funeral Home, 301 E. Blancke Street Linden from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral will start in the funeral home on Thursday, April 24th at 8:45am followed be a 10am Funeral Mass in St. Anthony R.C. Church, Elizabeth. Interment to follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In an act of true heroism, Ita fled war-torn El Salvador with her children in search of a better life. She and Ito made their home in Elizabeth, New Jersey in the 1980s, where she lived the rest of her life, deeply rooted in the community she helped build.

Ita's greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She celebrated every accomplishment they achieved, encouraging them to pursue education and professional success. Thanks to her unwavering support — often caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren so her children could work and study — they have become teachers, IT professionals, entrepreneurs, travel industry leaders, a firefighter, a battalion chief in the Elizabeth Fire Department, and two grandsons proudly serving as police officers for the Elizabeth Police Department.

Ita and Ito shared a beautiful, lifelong bond; they were rarely seen apart, and Ernesto lovingly doted on her throughout their marriage.

A woman of many talents, Ita was famous for her delicious pupusas, a gift she lovingly shared with everyone who visited her home. Her garden was another source of pride — she found great joy in growing and giving away her beans, tomatoes, and peppers to family and friends.

In recognition of her strength, entrepreneurship, and contributions to her community, Ita was honored by the Salvadorian Consulate of New Jersey during a special Mother's Day celebration, where Salvadoran mothers in the diaspora were recognized for their achievements.

She was cherished not only by her seven children, but also by her 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who adored her deeply. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, and strength will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives were forever shaped by her unwavering devotion.

Ita was the loving wife to Ernesto for the past 53 years. Loving mother of Jose Navas, Ernest Navas, Jr. and his wife Cleotilde, Nelson Navas and his wife Karin, Rosa E. Navas and her husband Rafael Beltran, Rosa M. Navas, Haydee Grau and her husband Carlos and Elia Rodriguez and her husband Raul. Dear sister to Estela Landeverde, Sofia Landeverde and Haydee Laneverde.

Grandchildren

Jennifer Navas

Herick Rosado

Emily Rosado

Kimberly Grau

Karina Grau

Michael Beltran

Giovani Beltran

Brian Navas

Jason Navas

Dennis Navas

Karson Navas

Lincoln Navas

Lucas Rodriguez

Mila Rodriguez

Alex Navas

Melvin Navas

Jessica Navas

Great Grandchildren

Brianna Arias

Justin Whyte

Jaycee Navas

Adrian Navas

Alanni Navas

Dayna Navas

Hailey Melendez

Gabriella Doyle

Judiel Navas Ramírez

Ariana Navas

Leandro Navas

Samantha Navas