Zulema Gonzales

Zulema Gonzales was born on July 1, 1936 to Maria del Refugio Campos and Valentín Moreno in Sabinas Hidalgo in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Born under the Cancer zodiac sign, she demonstrated some of those characteristics: emotional, sensitive, intuitive. She had three siblings: Jesus, Alma and Valentín Jr. She attended school in Mexico and worked in an administrative capacity in her teenage years. At the age of 20 she married the love of her life, Ramon Gonzales, and moved to the United States. They were married for 58 years until Ramon’s death in 2015 and their reunion will be magic.

She often characterized herself as fearful, but her accomplishments told the real truth. She moved to Texas not knowing anyone but her husband and not knowing the language. She learned English through immersion and credited TV shows like I Love Lucy as her language tutor. She and Ramon attended Palo Alto College together and she earned her GED. Later, she earned her citizenship. After she raised her children, she went to work at Rosemary’s Catering and dedicated 15+ years to serving her customers and building connections with her peers, spreading light wherever she went. She made many friends in her workplace and with returning convention goers.

Zulema raised four children in an era where the mother did most of the heavy lifting. Zulema valued education. Her kids never got by with calling in sick to school. As a result, two of those children hold advanced degrees and one served his country in the Navy. She found great joy in her later years serving as proud grandparent to Renata, Jacob, Miranda and Leigh Anna.

Like her father, Zulema had a razor sharp, sarcastic sense of humor in two languages. She could cut a rug. Her cooking was the stuff you remember long after. Even in the later stages of life, she could whip up huevos rancheros to knock your socks off. She cooked with love.

The most any of us can do is leave a legacy. Zulema’s reach extended to not only her children and grandchildren, but to anyone who ever knew her, knew her family, or was lucky enough to taste her delicious meals or feel her love and hospitality. She lived life well.

Our beloved Zule, wife, mother and grandmother passed away on February 6, 2024. Zulema is preceded in death by her husband Ramon and survived by her children: Ramon Jr. (Jeannette); Norma (Rod); Michael, Sandra (Eddie); grandchildren: Renata, Jacob, Miranda, Leigh Anna; great grandson Cole Ray and several grand dogs she did not like.

LIFE CELEBRATIONFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 20242:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 MCCULLOUGH AVE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association or Susan B. Komen Foundation.