Celia "Mimi" Gonzales

Celia or "Mimi" as she was known to her 4 grandkids and many Austin friends, was born on February 25, 1943 in Houston, Texas. She spent her childhood growing up on McKinney Street, 2 blocks from the current city hall in downtown Houston. Celia was a proud Houstonian who was passionate about all H-town sports- the Oilers, Texans, Rockets, Comets, Astros, and the University of Houston Cougars. Celia called Houston her home for 58 years.

Celia had many friends from her life and various jobs in Houston. She worked in the title business, the S&L business and for several law firms. Her favorite job by far was working at Vinson & Elkins for Don Howell for 18 years. It was there that she made her lifelong V&E friends. She worked there until her retirement in 2001.

Everyone knew that once Mimi retired she was headed straight to Austin to spend all her time with her 4 grandkids- Hillary "Oney", Abby, Jason & Austin "Pito". Mimi put her heart and soul into her grandkids and they really were her reason for living. She watched the kids constantly and I don't ever remember paying for a babysitter, not even once. She spent as much time with them as she possibly could, even taking them on some very fun trips to New York, Disneyworld (many times)!, 6 Flags, Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn. She was at every soccer, softball, volleyball, flag football, basketball, lacrosse, football and baseball game for the 4 grandkids. It was never an imposition for her to attend any event for the grandkids, no matter how far she had to drive because spending time with them and supporting them brought her immense joy.

Mimi also taught all 4 grandkids how to drive, each one learning a little bit younger, with Austin getting behind the wheel at 12. She also volunteered at the grandkids' elementary school, Forest Trail, and won an award for outstanding volunteer of the year. Mimi had a special relationship with each of the 4 grandkids that they will cherish the rest of their lives.

Mimi loved being with family above all else. Just hanging out, watching TV, eating dinner and of course, cleaning the kitchen was her perfect night. She also loved watching any Longhorn sports that were on, truly becoming a Longhorn fan.

We would like to thank all of Mimi's friends and family who made such an effort to call, text and visit her over these past 2 years- it meant the world to her. Michelle, Cassie, Kay, Denese, Dai-Lee, Uncle Champ & Aunt Mary thank you so much!

Celia is survived by daughter Tracy Schmidt (husband Jed) and grandsons Jason and Austin Schmidt; daughter Judith Hurst and granddaughters Hillary and Abby Hurst. She is also survived by her devoted sister Martha "Cookie" Allen, brother Raul "Champ" Martinez, sister in law Mary Martinez and many nieces and nephews from the large Martinez extended family.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Rafaela Martinez, her father, Richard Martinez and brothers Ricky, John Hector, Louis, Martin and Billy Martinez.

We would be remiss in not acknowledging the wonderful staff at Brookdale who have taken such wonderful care of Mimi over these past 2 years. Mimi loved visiting with the nurses, following them around, speaking Spanish with them and dancing with them to Mexican music.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Sunday February 18th from 1-3:30 at Chez Zee American Bistro, 5406 Balcones Dr., Austin, Texas 78731.