Elisa Gonzales

Elisa D. Gonzales gained her wings and went to be with the Lord January 23, 2018. She was 90 years old.

Elisa had a wonderful life. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend to all, and a pillar in her community. She began life in Zuehl, Texas on September 4, 1927, the first of nine children. At the age of 18, she married Valentin C. Gonzales on November 24, 1945. Together, they had 11 children and shared 33 years of marriage until his death in 1978.

She is described by her family as unique, one of a kind, a strong, independent woman who was active in her church. She served in the Altar Society, the Bereavement Group, and volunteered her time to charities of every kind including making quilts for cancer patients. Her only regret in life was not winning the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes despite making her grandchildren lick thousands of stamps. Her life was one of hard work to support her children, service to her church and community, and of immeasurable love for her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Valentin C. Gonzales, her parents, Moises and Mercedes De Leon, and her sisters Dora Tamez and Minerva Arispe. She is survived by her children, Maria Rita Sosa and husband Ruben, Ester Rodriguez and husband Santiago, Carmen Noriega and husband Domingo, Jose V. Gonzales, Paul Gonzales and wife Florence, Daniel Gonzales and wife Theresa, Rebecca Del Toro and husband Raul Jr., Margie Gonzales and Mark Walker, Diana G. Martinez, Elizabeth Ardoin and husband Michael, and Edward Gonzales and wife Marsha, 33 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, and siblings; Manuel De Leon, Consuelo Pena, Anna Medina, Amada Camarillo, and Jesse De Leon.

"We love you, mom. Our hearts will never be the same."

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