As the 9 year old baby of the family my mom first called her new baby sister "extra", but my Aunt Mary grew to be my mom's best friend & confidant. She was the only one my mom trusted her with the secret of her high risk pregnancy while living on the east coast & with news when we were driving home with our newborn brother, the UFW's official "Boycott Baby". With her robust relationship with God she carried others. She housed our family's personal possession for years & our entire family for months upon our return to CA. Proof that my parents work with the UFW & the Civil Rights Movement was never theirs alone but of those who stood with them.  She was there for my mom as she mourned my dad as a young widow & when she took her last breath. Her home was so beautiful that 5 year old me, when walking into Gloria Steinem's Central Park apartment for a fundraiser remarked, "Your house looks just just like my Aunt Mary's!" Gloria then wanted to know all about this "fabulous Aunt Mary" of mine. Swimming, pokeno, watching the first episode of Happy Days, bible studies. Visits that just couldn't end so she walked along side the car talking with my mom through the passenger side window as my dad slowly backed down the curved drive way & down the street as my Uncle Ernie gently pulled her away.  Her love of dancing served her well. Picking my Uncle Ernie during "girl's  choice" at a Jr High School dance, years later they won a potato dance at a pow wow showing much younger couples what 50+ years of true love looked like. She was the whole package: Gorgeous, classy, a beautiful smile, a great sense of humor. Yup, Tom Jones missed out. But what was most beautiful about her was what we were all blessed to have, her heart.  Thank you Aunt Mary for all the love. You are so loved.

I'm soooo sorry for your loss. I truly wish I could be there tomorrow. It's unfortunate that I barely found out tonight. The world lost a beautiful person but heaven truly gained an angel and I am sure Nino was there waiting for her. ❤️ I am sooo blessed and grateful that Nina and Nino adopted me as their goddaughter. Nina was sooo loving and she had the biggest heart. I love how she was a social butterfly and how they always had their home open to the neighborhood kids, friends, and family.

I was blessed to know Mary my entire life. Her love was steady, unconditional, and generous in ways that shaped who I became. I am still being blessed by her.  I spent countless days at her house swimming  in summer, eating homemade tortillas with butter after school, watching 49ers during the season and watching the elaborate holiday tradition of tamale making.  She was an incredible hostess, and a truly fabulous cook.
Mary had a gift for making life feel lighter no matter what life was bringing me. She got me my first job, gave great hugs, wise counsel, and practical help. Whenever I was in a pinch, she was the person I could call, and she always showed up OR sent Ernie!
She adored her husband, her daughter, her son, her big extended beautiful family, and of course, Tom Jones. I still hear her: “There are no ugly people” and “Remember you can judge a man by the way he treats his pets.” She is right of course, on both counts.
I also saw her deep and unwavering faith in the LORD. Witnessing her life of faithfulness was her greatest gift to me and I am forever grateful. 
I love Mary Gonzales fiercely, and I will carry her spirit with me always.
Margaret Mitchell

My Aunt Mary was a beautiful person and showed her love to everyone. She always demonstrated love and care to others as Jesus Christ , our Father wishes all to do. I love you very much. Your niece, Margie.
Psalm 23

My favorite memory of my aunt Mary. She always had a smile and a hug. I remember calling her house and getting her answering machine.  It was the same message for many years. "Jesus loves you, leave a  message".  Aunt Mary lived for and served the Lord wholeheartedly. "If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" Matthew 16:24, 1Thess.4:13

OBITUARY

Mary Gonzales

March 25, 1940 – November 1, 2025

Boice Funeral Home

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