Esperanza Gonzales

Esperanza Gonzales, age 91, of Kenosha formerly of Waukegan, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at home with her family by her side. Esperanza was born on September 11th, 1931 in Riverdale, Illinois to Raymond and Martha (Torres) Ruiz. She attended schools in Waukegan Township and graduated from High School in 1949. Esperanza married Joseph L. Gonzales on December 30, 1950 in Waukegan, IL. She worked for over 25 years in the North Chicago School District. Her family was her greatest joy and she loved spending as much time with them as she could. Esperanza loved cooking, watching westerns, going to movies with her sisters and any activity with her family.

She was preceded in death by, her parents; her husband, Joseph; two children, Theresa and James “Toz” Gonzales as well as other family members.

Esperanza is survived by, four children, Patty Gonzales Vandergrift, Christine Gonzales, Timothy “Timo” (Kim) Gonzales and Tony (Heidi Shumate) Gonzales; five grandchildren, Jeremy, Kristin, Riley, Rachel and Justin; several great grandchildren; seven siblings, Gloria, Susan, Peter, Ray, Robert, Frankie and Joey as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Friends and family will gather for a visitation that will be held at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 North Cemetery Road, Gurnee, Illinois on Monday, May 15th, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow the service at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.