Linda Gonzalez, a beloved resident of Brownsville, Texas, passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on January 16, 1955, Linda was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
Linda Gonzalez was a woman whose life was defined by love, laughter, and unwavering strength. Known fondly by her nickname, “Flaca,” Linda had a spirit that could light up any room. She was always smiling, always joking, and always doing her best to remain positive, even during life’s most challenging moments.
Linda was famously known as the number one maker of homemade flour tortillas—a talent cherished by all who were lucky enough to taste them. She loved cooking and baking, sewing, fishing, and spending time doing the things that brought her joy. A true lover of life, she enjoyed road trips, relaxing days at the beach, and lively games of rummy and bingo. She also had a special love for fruit and was rarely without her favorite snacks nearby.
Family was the heart of Linda’s world. She was a deeply loving mother and grandmother, and a guiding presence to those who leaned on her. As the second mother to her siblings, she helped raise them with care, strength, and devotion. Growing up as a migrant farmworker alongside her siblings shaped her strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family unity. She later continued farm work alongside her husband, sharing both the labor and the love that came with it.
Linda took great pride in her professional life, having worked for both the Cameron County and Kern County Health Departments—accomplishments she held close to her heart. She was proud of the work she did and the service she provided to her community.
She shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Mickey, who brought her comfort and companionship. Linda’s laughter, warmth, and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy lives on in the countless memories, traditions, and love she shared so freely.
Linda Gonzalez will forever be remembered for her joyful spirit, her generous heart, and the love she poured into her family and everyone around her.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Benito P. Gonzalez; her son, Juan Carlos Gonzalez; and her daughter, Anita M. Ali. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Emily Marie Duran, Angelina Gomez, Christopher D. Duran, Aric A. Gonzalez, and Adnan F. Ali, Aliyah G. Gonzalez, as well as her great-grandchildren, Enzo A. Gomez and Nyla Y. Gomez. Linda is also survived by her siblings, Federico Zarate, Armando Zarate, Hector Zarate, Elvia Zarate, Martin Zarate, Ismael Zarate, and Maryann Guerrero.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roberto D. Zarate and Juanita G. Zarate, as well as her siblings, Roberto "Bobe" Zarate, Bobito Zarate, and Diana Zarate.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on January 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel of Angels, located at 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas, 78521. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.
A Mass will be held on January 17, 2026, at 12pm at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2645 Tulipan, Brownsville, Texas, 78521, followed by a burial at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas, 78521, at 1:00 pm.
Pallbearers will include Christopher D. Duran, Aric A. Gonzalez, Jeremiah Zarate, Federico Zarate Jr., Juan Carlos Gonzalez, and Jorge Vega.
Linda will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
