Mary Ellen Gonzalez

1947 - 2016

Mary Ellen Gonzalez, "Nana", was called to Our Lord on 3 August 2016 surrounded by her children and her loving family. Nana was born on 14 August 1947 in San Jose, CA to Renaldo Duran and Ventura Ocampo. After several years in California, she moved first to Sprague, WA and then to Odessa, WA where she graduated high school. After graduation she married Bob Gilbert and together they had three children. It was in Odessa that Nana discovered her passion for cooking, which she segued into a commercial cooking career that spanned over 30 years. Nana moved back to her birth state of California in 1981 where she met her long-time companion, Jose Avila. Jose and Nana had a child there and returned to Spokane, WA in 1993 to be closer to family and remained for 23 years until her recent passing.

Mary's lifelong dream was to be a dietitian and as an adult she began to take college courses. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons she was unable to finish training. Instead, Nana opened her home, kitchen and heart to family and friends who congregated to enjoy her meals and her company. There we found a safe place, a caring ear, and a heart that always had room for one more. Nana was the Matriarch of a wonderfully large family that encompassed friends as well. Whether it was welcome advice, a warm meal, a comfortable bed or her last dollar, she gave without hesitation. Her mantra was simple and meaningful: "I may not have money, but I am rich in family and friends."

We will miss you Nana. You will forever be a part of everyone who knew you!

Nana is survived by her beloved Jose Avila; brother Chris Arp and his wife Lora, sister Valerie Ocampo and her husband Matt, sister Shelley Kramer (Keith), sister Sandi Hutchinson, and brother Kevin Arp; her four children: daughter Gayla Gilbert (Bob), son Shane Gilbert and his wife Carrie, daughter Heather Martinez and her husband Tony, and daughter Christine Dellwo and her husband Tony. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Eric Hernandez and wife Lindsay, AJ Hernandez ( Makensie), Justin, Zachariah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Ashton, Tuesday, Emma, Gage, Cole; and four great grandchildren: Chloe, Arianna, Landon and Easton. Many nieces and nephews also considered her their Nana.

She is preceded in death by her father Renaldo, mother Ventura, and her grandson Roman Hernandez.

Nana's family invites you to celebrate her life on Wednesday, 10 August 2016 at 11am at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA. A Reception will follow.