For Linda Petix-Sarandrea, the past year was one of special reflection on her family’s heritage. One hundred years ago, Linda’s grandfather and great-aunt immigrated to America — fleeing the Spanish influenza which, like the present-day coronavirus pandemic, severely affected Italy. Now, generations later, the expansive Petix family is reveling in the centennial celebration of their ancestors’ arrival in America and even publishing a family cookbook to mark the occasion!
In addition to sharing and archiving recipes, Linda decided to honor her family by establishing an endowed fund at Texas Children's Hospital through her estate plan. Retired from a long and fulfilling career with Chevron, Linda is passionate about supporting those who are less fortunate. The Santo Petix and Josephine Petix-Meusburger Endowed Fund will support medical care for Texas Children’s Heart Center patients from underserved families. The work of the Heart Center is particularly meaningful for Linda — both her father, Santo, and aunt, Josephine, endured congenital heart conditions.
Linda’s philanthropy has inspired another member of her family to support Texas Children’s in memory of Santo and Josephine: Dr. Charles Meusburger, Linda’s cousin and Josephine’s son, has named the Fund as a beneficiary of his life insurance policy. Linda is hopeful that others in her family will also contribute over time, and she derives great joy from knowing that her father’s and aunt’s legacies will live on not only through their many descendants, but also through the Texas Children’s patients and families whom the Fund will support.
To learn more about establishing or contributing to an endowed fund through your estate plan, please contact Rachel S. Kronenberger at 832-824-6907 or rskronen@texaschildrens.org.