Beverly Leslie Gonzales

Born in Los Angeles, California, on January 20, 1971, to Henry and Zenaida Santiago, Bev spent her childhood in West Los Angeles, where weekends were filled with family adventures exploring local parks and museums, or gathering at Grandma’s house, where cousins turned the entire street into a playground for tag and hide-and-seek.

A quiet and studious child, Bev excelled academically, graduating from Belmont High School cum laude. She then moved to the Bay Area to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she not only found her closest friends but also fell in love with the vibrancy of her new city by the Bay.

It was in the Bay Area that Bev met the love of her life, Tony Gonzales. Together, they built a life filled with shared passions—car shows, Disneyland trips, vacations in Hawaii, and cherished time with family. Their love was deep and enduring, spanning eighteen wonderful years—sixteen of them as husband and wife—until Tony’s passing.

Before Tony’s death, Bev embarked on a career as a clerk in the California Superior Court of Alameda County. She thrived in the criminal courts as a courtroom clerk, blending her keen interest in the law with her innate desire to help others. Hardworking and dedicated, she embraced every challenge and opportunity that came her way.

When faced with ovarian cancer, Bev met it with the same strength, determination, and resilience that defined her life. She refused to let it diminish her spirit or her joy, treasuring every moment with those she loved.

A true foodie at heart, Bev delighted in discovering new restaurants, exploring different cuisines, and indulging in her favorite cooking shows. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life—good food, good company, and good conversation.

Above all, Bev lived with purpose, love, and an unwavering faith in God. She was a source of strength, kindness, and comfort to those around her—a devoted sister, a nurturing aunt, and a fiercely loyal friend. Her radiant smile, generous heart, and gentle soul left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Bev’s greatest legacy lives on in her dear nephew, Daniel, for whom she cared deeply and worked tirelessly to inspire. In him, her love and influence will continue to shine.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Minerva Santiago-Smith, and her cherished nephew, Daniel Santiago, both live in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony Gonzales, her parents, Henry and Zenaida, and her brother-in-law, Richard Smith.

In honor of Bev’s memory, the family kindly requests support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, continuing the fight against the disease she faced with such courage.

A visitation for Beverly will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, Brentwood, CA 94513, followed by a chapel service at 1:00 PM.