Maria Elena

Gonzales

Maria Elena "Mary Helen" Gonzales

She went by many names because she served numerous roles and fulfilled a lifetime of purposes on this earth. She was mom to her children and Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tia Mary or Aunt Mary to hundreds, not just those who were related by blood, because of the encouragement and guidance she offered. Her definition of family was as broad and deep as the love her heart could hold.

Her spiritual gifts were many. Few realize she was an orphan after losing both of her parents so young. Because of those early losses, she was a champion of the downtrodden and her home was a haven for those who needed a safe place. She embodied hospitality with loved ones and strangers

alike.

Hospitality was part of her vocation ard her calling, too. She was the kind of cook that made food feel like love and a warm embrace. Her dishes would feed hundreds at family events and provided sustenance for thousands through her work. She was a cook at several local elementary schools, Hazel Hawkins Hospital and the St. Francis Retreat House. Her kitchen was a place where all were welcomed and encouraged to take a seat at the table.

She was an artist, creating stunning ribbon roses and bouquets that lasted forever. De Colores wasn't just a song she sang off key, ribbons of every color in the rainbow radiated her love in the creations she made for others.

She was a caregiver to many in their time of need, including those in their final days. Her wisdom was gained from trials and tribulations that no one person should have had to endure. Her faith, unwavering, challenged and inspired others to seek God no matter the circumstances.

She believed in service and practiced it daily. As a mother, she volunteered her time with the PTA at her children's schools and in the local community. She never hesitated to stop and pick up other's children who were lost, "hop right in" she'd say and show them the right way to go home the next time. From Mary' softball team to Boy Scouts mom, she helped raise generations of children from families in the Hollister area.

Her home was described as beautiful chaos and her laughter echoed throughout whatever space she occupied including the Bingo halls where she was a regular. Her jokes were rarely appropriate, but her smile radiated pure joy (and sometimes mischievously so) when she could get you to laugh

too.

Genealogy wasn't just one of her hobbies, it was her mission in life. She listened to her elders and became a master storyteller who could recount the historical record including those chance encounters that changed the family dyr amics forever.

She could strike up a conversation with anyone, making them feel included and the connection was often instantaneous. She held a President's hand and was kissed on the cheek by a Supreme Court

Justice.

Our family is profoundly grateful for the Mabie Northside Staff who made our mom feel at home during her final years. Their professionalism as health care providers, coupled with the tenderness

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and love they showed to her every single day and in her final moments, was a blessing to us and our extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel E. Gonzales Jr, daughters Roberta Jean and Dolores Gonzales, and grandson Jacob Gonzales. Her parents, Gertrudis and Joseph Montelongo, and her siblings, Lola, Smokey, Anita, Erma, Jose Maria, Frank, Joseph, Peter, and Bertha welcomed her at Heaven's gate.

She is survived by her eight living children, Anna Marie Gonzales, Carol Anne Gonzales, Beatrice Lynn Gonzales-Ramirez, Manuel Gonzales III, Lisa (Bob) Castro, John Joseph Gonzales, Robert James (Stacey) Gonzales, and Mary Jo Gonzales. She is also survived by her sister Rebecca Lopez and sisters-in-law, Gloria Adame and Aurora Orabuena.

Her legacy will live on through her 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren (with two more on the way) as well as numerous nieces and nephews, first-second- and third-cousins, friends including her Cursillo and Bingo friends, and those who she saw as her family regardless of what a piece of paper said.

In lieu of flowers, the Gonzales family requests memorial contributions to the place that was her community in her and her husband's later years. Donations in the name of Maria Elena Gonzales can be made to Jovenes de Antaño PO Box 860 Hollister CA 95024.