Surrounded by family, Tamie Nakano Gonzales, 98 years young, peacefully drew her last breath to be with Our Lord on Sunday, February 23, 2025. On the Sabbath Day--how fitting . . . Tamie was a strong woman of faith. A faith she instilled in her daughters by teaching them how to pray and by working hard to ensure they attended Catholic school.
Tamie, the eldest of 4 children, was born on October 9, 1926, in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan to Chutaro Nakano and Kaori Aono Nakano. From the very beginning, Tamie showed exemplary skills. She attended preparatory school, finishing school, college, and continued to pursue her many skills. Her strong, disciplined upbringing gave her the desire to be a policewoman. So, in 1941, Tamie became one of the first of the only policewomen’s team in Japan—there were only 4 on that team. One of her other skills, sewing, was of such perfection that she was hired to be the top seamstress at a high-end tailor shop. Later, through her married life, Tamie would make her girls’ dresses from scraps of fabric her husband would bring home.
In 1950, she met a handsome Army guy named Eloy Gonzales. They were married soon after, and in 1952, they were blessed with their first baby girl, Kay Maria. Eloy was soon to be discharged and had to send Tamie and their baby girl to America. Tamie was very brave to leave her family and the only country she had ever known. With baby in tow, she boarded an ocean liner destined for America! The ship docked in Seattle, Washington, and Tamie was so happy to see vending machines with apples in them. From Seattle, they took a train all the way to San Antonio, Texas, where she was happily greeted by Eloy’s parents and sister. Once discharged, Eloy joined Tamie in New Braunfels, Texas, where they would be blessed with 3 more daughters.
Tamie worked hard all her life, as a seamstress at Cater Frocks clothing and Barkel Furniture in New Braunfels. After she retired, she worked as a school crossing guard for Seele Elementary. Boy, how she loved her uniform! It definitely must’ve reminded her of her policewoman days.
One of Tamie’s greatest joys in life was shopping—for all kinds of things, but most especially for high-fashion clothes and jewelry. People who knew Tamie always noticed how impeccably dressed she was—hair, makeup, clothes, jewelry, and shoes!!! She was a pretty woman—always and forever. She also loved to play volleyball and ping pong. Tamie also took great pleasure in her role as den mother at her children’s school, accompanying the classes on outings to Landa Park and other places. Later in life, she enjoyed playing board games, puzzles, and going out to eat—with shopping afterwards! She loved being out and about, taking in the sights and just enjoying life.
Tamie was a strong woman of faith and of courage. She endured many trials, one of the biggest being breast cancer diagnosed in her left breast in 1999. It went into remission after treatment only to recur in her right breast in 2011, eventually progressing to stage 4 in the last two years of her life. She also dealt with diabetes, strokes, the passing of her daughter, Ann, and the passing of her husband, Eloy.
Tamie was preceded in death by her parents, Chutaro Nakano and Kaori Aono Nakano, her daughter, Ann Gonzales Read, daughter-in-law, Melissa Read, and her husband of 71 years, Eloy Gonzales. She is survived by: her children, Kay Maria Gonzales Alanis Grant (Lyndall), Clara Jean Gonzales Janik (Mark), and Kathy Gonzales (friend Jessica Ramirez). Son-in-law, Steve Read (Ann). Grandchildren: Alan Alanis (Tanya), Lisa Alanis Rosch (Will), Dr. Steven Mitchell Read (Shanna), Spencer Read (Julie), Colleen Goff Bell (James/Lib), Andrea Goff Fontanes (Frank), Michael Scott Goff (Amanda). Great Grandchildren: Jonah Alanis, Toby Alanis, Ryen Alanis, Analisa Alanis, Madelyn (Maddie) Rosch, Ethan Valderrama, Ewen Valderrama, Keira Bell, Isaac Goff, Ila Goff, Lillianna Ybanez, Michiko Ybanez, Brian Read, Samantha Read, Jacob Read, Roman Read.
The family would like to thank Elara Caring for their dedication to the care and well-being of Tamie, with a special thank you to her nurse, Brooke, and her home health aide, Vero.
A public viewing and visitation for Tamie will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa, New Braunfels, TX 78130 with Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 10:00 AM at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 386 N. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, with a reception to follow at Saint Mary’s Hall. Tamie will be placed at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery #1, 301 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130 in a private family committal service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Susan G. Komen Foundation or Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Please visit her website to leave your memories and condolences for the family https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12260055.
