Mariana C. Gonzales

Mariana C. Gonzales, a lifelong resident of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on December 15, 2024. Born on February 20, 1930. Mariana’s life was a testament to her enduring spirit, strength, and the love she had for her family.

Mariana was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Francisco, daughters, Irene Olivares and Rosa Elia De La Rosa, granddaughter Erika Danielle Ramirez and grandson-in-law Charley Thomas. Her legacy and her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her surviving daughters, Rebecca (John) Solis, Dora (Carlos) Ramirez, and Isabel (Steve) Mathies: son-in-law Richard De La Rosa; and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nana”, will carry countless memories in their hearts.

Mariana’s grandchildren, who were the light of her life, include Annette Thomas, Elizabeth (Mike) Dobratz, Mariana (Tony) Dehoyos, Diana (Rick) Toro, Yvonne De La Rosa, Jennifer (Ruben) Olivarez, Frank De La Rosa, Carlos (Natalie) Ramirez, Jr., Loren (Richard) Huerta, Stephanie (Jason) Beyea, and Kyle (Angel) Mathies. Her great-grandchildren, whom she adored, are Michael Dobratz, Alisyn and Audriana Thomas, Aaron and Ayden Toro, Cecilia and Emily Dehoyos, Giovanni Reyes, Jenna Rose, Evangeline, and Tobias Olivarez, Sara, Dylan and Samantha De La Rosa, Carlos III, Derek and Alex Ramirez, Lucy and Luca Huerta, Brooks, Morgan and Bradley Beyea. Each of them will carry forward her legacy of love, and family.

Mariana’s passion for life was evident in her love for the outdoors. She found great joy in working in her yard, tending to her plants and garden, and watering the lawn so the birds (and oftentimes a grandchild, or two) could play in the water. Her garden was a vibrant reflection of her soul, full of life and tended with care, and a green thumb like no other, which seemed to have skipped a generation. Her cooking was amazing! She was happiest when cooking for family and friends. Her recipes had no measurements. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Perfect EVERY time. It warmed her heart to cook and called us to say “La olla de caldo esta lista, ven a comer” and it warmed our hearts to join her.

Mariana loved to play Bingo, tell the best ghost stories, especially at night with whomever was the biggest chicken, and crochet and decorate the house for the holidays.

Mariana’s life was a beautiful display of love, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to her family. She was the matriarch in every sense, guiding with a gentle hand and a strong will, demonstrating through her actions the power of unconditional love. Her legacy is not only in the family she raised but also in the countless lives she touched with her warm spirit and generosity.

As we bid farewell to Mariana, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created will be treasured forever. Mariana’s family is comforted by the fact that her spirit will continue to guide them, and they take solace in knowing that her love will forever be the foundation upon which their lives were built.

Mariana’s story does not end with her passing but continues in the lives of those she loved so dearly. Mariana will always be remembered for her loving arms and giving heart. A beacon of light and love, a cherished soul who left the world far richer than she found it.

Serving as pallbearers for Mariana are sons-in-law John Solis, Richard De La Rosa, Carlos Ramirez, Steve Mathies, grandsons Carlos Ramirez, Jr., Frank De La Rosa, and great-grandson Michael Dobratz serving as honorary pallbearer.

The family would like to thank the team at Bristol Hospice, especially her nurses Colene Rung and Heather Wertz, Chaplain Chuck Atanasio, Social Worker Brittany Logan, and assistants, Patricia Fernandez, Maria Guerra-Nava, and Abigail Garcia. Plus, Dr. V. Escobar, her practitioner Abby Laitan, and nurses Bonnie Davilla and Pita Guerra of the Supportive Care Program.

VISITATIONSUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 20245:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

ROSARYSUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 20246:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

PROCESSIONMONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 20249:30 A.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

MASSMONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 202410:00 A.M.ST. ANTHONY MARY CLARET CATHOLIC CHURCH6150 ROFT ROADSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78253