Maricela Gonzalez

Born on July 5, 1947, in Marin, Nuevo León, México, Maricela brought joy, warmth, and devotion to everyone who knew her. She later moved to California, where she attended Turlock High School and continued her education, earning an associate degree and training as an Executive Secretary. She moved to Texas in 1973 where she lived in Wichita Falls, Austin, Houston, and in 1986 she settled in Grand Prairie.

She worked diligently at Aetna for 18 years, building not only a successful career but lifelong friendships, before retiring in 2009.

A woman of deep faith, Maricela was a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Grand Prairie. Her steadfast love for her family was unmatched. She is survived by her beloved children Ralph DeAnda IV., Gabriel DeAnda, and Michael Garcia. Daughter-in-laws: Angela Keys, Erica Davenport. Grandchildren Alejandra De Anda, Ashley Tijerina, Daniel DeAnda, and Joshua Longoria, Bryanna Gutierrez,Taylor Meissner, Seth Rogers, James Barnes, and her cherished great-grandchildren Ismael DeAnda, Radek Rubaldino, and River Rubaldino. She also leaves behind her loving siblings Adan Gonzalez, Marin Gonzalez, Rogelia G. Saldivar, and Ruth Z. Perales, sister-in-law Maria Gonzalez, brother-in law, Jose "Polo" Saldivar. Known for her generosity of spirit, Maricela was proud to be godmother to Joseph Gonzalez and Eddy Saldivar and was a treasured aunt to more than thirty-eight nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents Marin Gonzalez and Amelia Lozano Zamora, as well as Jose "Pepe" Gonzalez, Efrain Zamora, Sr., and Lucy Rodriguez.

Maricela will be remembered for her unwavering love, her laughter that filled every room, and her legacy of faith and family. Though her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved her, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire them.

A visitation for Dolores will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Grand Prairie Funeral Home, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow on Thursday at 2:00 PM at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens, 3001 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. Serving as pallbearers are Apolinar "Poli" Saldivar, Nicholas "Nick" Saldivar, Ricardo "Richard" Saldivar, Eduardo "Eddy" Saldivar, Sammy Gonzalez, Sammy Gonzalez, Jr., Joe Gonzalez and Efrain Zamora, Jr.