Graciela Gonzales

Gracie was born on July 11, 1954, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jesusa “Susie” G. Peña.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura Reyes and Melissa Reyes; her son, Juan “Boy” Molina (Bethany); her grandchildren, Abigail Molina (Christian), Lorissa Castro, Mikayla Molina, Stephen Solis, Aaron Solis, Zachary Solis, Kaylee Jimenez, and Peter Jimenez; and her great-grandchildren, Lio Mata, Ariel Mata, Ava Molina, Dylan Tagle, Ella Tagle, Memphis Tagle, Evangeline Solis, Aaron Solis, and Silas Solis. She is also survived by her brothers, Albert R. Gonzales (Lupe D. Gonzales), Manuel Hernandez (Terry Hernandez), and Johnny Valdez, along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Gracie also leaves behind her beloved pets, Bear, Chloe, Chico, and Jax, who brought her much joy.

Gracie was preceded in death by her mother, Jesusa “Susie” Peña; her heart’s companion, Ramiro Flores; and her brothers, Angel Canals, Rudolpho “Rudy” Tijerina, and Jesus “Jesse” Valdez.

A woman full of love, faith, and laughter, Gracie lived her life with an open heart and a welcoming spirit. She had a special fondness for Betty Boop, whose playful charm and sass perfectly reflected Gracie’s own fun-loving personality. She loved anything involving a little luck and a lot of fun, from slot machines and bingo to football numbers—but what she cherished most were the moments shared with those she loved. She also had a passion for going to the movies and adored anything related to Elvis Presley, delighting in the music, memories, and joy they brought.

Her love for family was beyond measure. Gracie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren truly owned her heart. Time spent with family and with her cherished pets was her greatest treasure and brought her endless joy.

Gracie took great pride in her work as a CNA, where her caring heart shined each day. She found true purpose in caring for others and held a very special place in her heart for Zoe Turner, whom she loved and cared for as one of her own.

Strong in her faith, Gracie lived with grace, compassion, and humility. There was not a soul she didn’t welcome or love, and her kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Ruth Ramirez, whom Gracie considered a daughter, for the love and care she shared during Gracie’s later days—days filled with warmth, laughter, and peace that reflected the very same love Gracie so freely gave to others. Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:8

Today, we rejoice knowing Gracie is dancing in heaven—fully healed, reunited with loved ones, and wrapped in God’s eternal love. While our hearts grieve her absence, heaven celebrates her homecoming, and her love will forever live in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, located at 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, on December 19, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A rosary will take place at the same venue on December 19, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A funeral mass will be conducted at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, situated at 3210 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The committal will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery on December 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.