Maria Luisa “Licha” Gonzalez was born to Emeterio Gonzalez and Jesusa Arreola in 1925. She is survived by her children: Cruz Mireles (Francisco†), Gloria Duran (Raymond†), Yolanda Robles (Primitivo), Josefina Soto, Carmen Gomez, Olivia Hernandez (Antonio), Eligio Gomez (Nancy) and Maudi Gomez (Kevin Neill) in addition to 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, many relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband of 63 years, Ignacio, and their infant daughter Cristina.
Born in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico Maria Luisa grew up in the city with her parents and lived there until she met and eventually wed her future husband. She was 19 years old when she met Ignacio at a wedding and the couple married in Mexico in 1945. Shortly thereafter, Maria Luisa and Ignacio moved to Texas to live and work. For years the family did migrant farm work, moving them from Texas to California and back. Having started their family in Texas they eventually settled in Arizona in 1954 where she had the last of her two children.
Maria Luisa had many roles and wore many different hats: mother to great-great-grandmother, migrant worker to domestic help, homemaker to adventurer. She was determined to make a better life for herself and her family. Her desire to learn and grow was impressive as she learned English as a second language, volunteered to teach English to other Spanish speakers and learned to drive at the young age of forty-five, proving it is never too late to learn something new. She also aspired to become an American citizen which she later accomplished in 1999, continuing to be an inspiration to us all. She enjoyed socializing and was a regular at the El Mirage Senior Center where she engaged in luncheons, games and activities. Maria Luisa’s affinity to travel was second to none and when asked, “Are you ready to go?” Her answer, without hesitation was always “I am ready, let’s go!” From local outings to New York, from Canada to Peru, by train, plane or car she was always ready for her next adventure.
Maria Luisa was a multi-faceted woman; stoic in demeanor yet warm-hearted and giving; adventurous in spirit with unwavering faith; unapologetic yet with a friendly ear; engaged but also independent. She will always remain the crown jewel of the Gomez family and while we may have not been ready for her journey home, we can still hear her say, “I am ready, let’s go.”
A mass will be held on April 14, 2021 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale at 10am followed by cemetery services at Resthaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of the Valley or a charity of your choice.
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