Maria S. Gonzales

Maria's passion was family, faith and friends. She cherished every moment with her children and was ecstatic hanging out with her beautiful and precious grandchildren - Jacob, Jonah, Joshua, Ava and Lilyanne. They were her entire world and nothing came between them. She loved to cook, read, listen to music and dance the night away. She had a long career as a Medical Billing Coder and retired in August 2017.

She was a god fearing woman. dedicated member of Lakewood Church and listened religiously to Joel Osteen's word. On the road, she had XMSirius to keep up with Joel's message and at home, she watched the Trinity Broadcasting Network to ensure she had received a 24/7 daily dose of encouragement, scriptures and words of wisdom. She is a servant of the Lord.

She was a strong will woman who battled and survived breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and lifelong anxiety however the novel COVID virus came along and with her precondition ailments were just to much to overcome.

When Maria walked in the room, her big beautiful smile always brightened the mood. She loved everyone and always willing to help. She had a heart of gold. Many times giving her stuff away to help those in need. She enjoyed opportunities to comfort others, teach and share her experiences.

She loved to travel and took every opportunity while visiting her Navy sons and families. Memorable places like Germany, Italy, Rome, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Florida, Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Chicago, and California just to name a few. Let's not forget leisure... Las Vegas, cruises and Cancun. Oh by the way, add a little touch of music, she relishes dancing with her hubby Tacho of 33 years to some old Tejano jams.

“A mother’s love is everything. It is what brings a child into this world. It is what molds their entire being. When a mother sees her child in danger, she is literally capable of anything. Mothers have lifted cars off of their children and destroyed entire dynasties. A mother’s love is the strongest energy known to man.” —Jamie McGuire

She was survived by Michael A. Aguilar (Margie), Joel L. Aguilar (Marilyn), and Crystal Sturdivant; Grandchildren, Samuel L. Aguilar, Bianca N Hilko, Chelsea R. Steadman (Jason), Brianna M Lara (Ugo), Alexis M. Reyes (Luis), Jacob A. Sturdivant, Jonah L. Sturdivant, and Joshua A. Sturdivant; Great Grandchildren, Ava I. Hilko and Lilyanne R. Aguilar; Mother, Maria V. Gonzalez; Siblings, Sulema S. Carpio and Betty Santos-Hass (Christopher).

Maria as predeceased by her father Joe Santos Sr , her brothers Joe Santos Jr (Carol), Richard Santos Sr, and sister Joanne Samaniego (John).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Gonzales family.