Esther Elia Gonzales

On July 23, 2009, Esther Elia Gonzales passed peacefully from this world at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family. After a prolonged illness with Alzheimer's Disease, she has risen to be with her Lord and to be rejoined with her beloved husband, Roque, where they will dance together to the music of angels in heaven.

She was born on June 20, 1927 in Cotulla, Texas, to Elia Briones and Eduardo Mendez. They later sent her to attend high school in San Antonio where she graduated from Fox Tech. During that time, she lived with Zulema and Dave Gonzales, who became her parents-in-law, after she met, fell in love with, and married her beloved Roque. When he joined the Air Force, Esther began her world travels, embracing each culture she encountered. She was a loving and devoted wife, as well as a wonderful and nurturing mother, whose greatest desire was to help her children excel in all they would do in life, always carrying with them her values and caring support.

As a long time employee of the San Antonio Independent School District, she began as a dedicated Spanish teacher and quickly completed her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling at St. Mary's University, to become an inspiring counselor, where she guided the academic and personal growth of innumerable children. She dedicated herself to helping underprivileged and at risk children complete their studies, often finding college programs and scholarships for them.

A vivacious and hard-working person, Esther always maintained a positive attitude in both her professional and personal life. She enthusiastically served many organizations, often in leadership positions, including the Pan American League, Women Educators of San Antonio, Black and White Ball Committee, Starlight Club, Sembradores, Elm Creek Garden Club and Choir, and San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association. She loved to dance, sing, cook, read, travel and help other people. Her gracious generosity was enjoyed by all who met her engaging smile and ready laughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elia Briones and Eduardo Mendez, her brother Eduardo Mendez, and her beloved husband Roque Gonzales.

Left to mourn her passing are her loving son, Dr. Roque Gonzales, Jr. Marie Stille, daughter Sonia Esther Ortiz Isaias, sister Elmira Adami, grandchildren Serena A. Morris, Roque D. Gonzales, Steven R. Ortiz, Michael D. Ortiz, Christopher K. Gonzales, great-grandchildren Mallory A. Morris, Adelita I. Ortiz, Addison A. Gonzales, Alejandro M. Ortiz, Saoirse A. Ortiz, Colby L.Gonzales, and the multitude of extended family and friends whose lives she enriched.

Special thanks are given to Rosa Acua and her family for their tender and devoted care during these last five years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.