Secundina Gonzalez

Born in the small town of Elgin Texas, Secundina was one of 11 children to father Isabel and mother Maria Ubias. Not being fond of her given name, she preferred to be called “Nina.” The family worked vigorously as migrant workers, traveling all across the United States. Not only was she a skilled field laborer, harvesting anything from vegetables to picking cotton, she was also a talented and creative seamstress, often drawing out designs on spare pieces of paper before bringing them to fruition. A skill that would prove highly useful later in life as she became a mother.

She met Francisco Gonzalez and the couple wed on June 22, 1947 in Alamo, TX. Soon thereafter, the newlyweds traveled north from their Texas valley home, and settled in the neighborhood that would later be registered as The Historic Old Sixth Ward, near downtown Houston.

Together, Nina & her husband, Frank would raise 5 children in their home on Decatur St., Maria Elena, Lucia, Francisco Jr. (deceased), Delia, and Anthony. She spent many hours designing and making clothes for not only her children, but for neighborhood friends as well. She had a kind heart, often times setting a good example of charity to vagrants that would pass by and request a helping hand, making them a sandwich with whatever they had available in their refrigerator. She also volunteered as much of her time as she could to her local church, often helping cook food for festivals or fundraisers. Just another example of her fine talents, was cooking a good meal. Ask any of her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, what a favorite food memory is and you can bet tortillas, tamales, menudo and bean tacos are at the top of the list. An example of making a lot out of a little to feed her large family she loved so much.

The family tree is as follows:

Mr & Mrs. Francisco & Secundina Gonzalez

Daughter: Maria Elena, husband (deceased) Antonio P. Garza Jr., husband (deceased) Harold E. Williams

Antonio P. Garza III & wife, Debbie L.

Eric A. Garza

Erin A. Graza

Marcus P. Garza

Paul H. Williams

Daughter: Lucia, husband (deceased) Leonard R. Rodriguez

Leonard R. Rodriguez Jr. & wife, Janie F.

Samuel A. Saldana

Samantha A. & husband, Dennis O. Amaya

Micheal A. Nieto

Mason A. Nieto

Sophia D. Amaya

April R. & husband, Jesus Martinez Jr.

Victoria L. Rodriguez

David L. Rodriguez & wife, Maria

Kevin Rodriguez

Arilin Rodriguez

Madalin Rodriguez

Dillin Rodriguez

Son: Francisco Gonzalez Jr. (deceased)

Daughter: Delia, husband Candelario S. Gonzales Jr.

Michael A. Gonzales & wife, Patricia A.

Christian M. Gonzales

Michael A. Gonzales, Jr.

Isreal J. Gonzales

Vincente F. Gonzales & wife, Erica H.

Vincente F. Gonzales Jr.

Noah A. Gonzales

Ariana N. Gonzales

Monica B. & husband, Roberto Villarreal Jr.

Robert A. Villarreal

Gabriel R. Villarreal

Jaslene Ortiz

Alexander R. Gonzales

Candice A. Gonzales

Son: Anthony Gonzalez

Anthony Gonzalez Jr.

Michelle L. Gonzalez

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Gonzalez family.