Maria Almira Gonzalez

Maria Almira Gonzalez passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and love for her family and community. She was a woman whose life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, and she found great joy in serving others through her involvement in the church.

Maria faithfully assisted in the choir at Assumption Catholic Church and was a devoted attendee of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Rio Hondo, Texas. She found comfort and happiness in listening to church hymns, often filling her home with the same music that inspired her spirit.

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria cherished every moment spent with her family. She expressed her love most warmly through her cooking and baking—preparing meals for family gatherings and creating sweet treats that brought joy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

Maria dedicated many years of service to the Rio Hondo School District before her retirement, where she was respected for her hard work and commitment.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 plus years, Gerardo Gonzalez and her siblings, Manuel Alvarez and Alicia A. Rodriguez, and her parents, Amalia Alvarez and Lorenzo Alvarez.

She is survived by her loving children: Gerardo (Elisa) Gonzalez Jr., Teresa Gonzalez Reyes, Elizabeth Gonzalez (Johnnie Carter), and Diana Gonzalez Hayes. She is also survived by her siblings Linda, Almita, and Juan.

Maria leaves behind a cherished legacy in her grandchildren: Matthew Gonzalez, Christopher Gonzalez, Thianna Reyes, Omero Reyes Jr., Anthony Hayes Jr., Andrew Hayes, Angela Hayes, Trevor Carter, Madeline Carter, Samuel Carter, and Michael Carter; and her great-grandchildren: Isis Gonzalez, Alex Escamilla Jr., Emma Escamilla, Cole Escamilla, Lily Escamilla, Theo Escamilla, Anthony Hayes III, Ace Hayes, Aayla Hayes, Angel Doucette, and Julian Lopez.

Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Gonzalez, Christopher Gonzalez, Alex Escamilla Jr., Alex Escamilla, Anthony Hayes Jr., Andrew Hayes, Omero Reyes Jr., and Luis Gonzalez.

She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her unwavering faith, and the love she so freely gave. Maria’s presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the family she held so dear.

The family would like to recognize and thank Harbor Care and Dr. Stephanie Garcia of Harlingen, Texas.

Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Mont Meta, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, TX 785867351, US, on May 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the Rosary at Funeraria Del Angel Mont Meta & Memorial Park, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, Texas 78586, on May 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Church Service will take place at St. Helens Catholic Church, 228 Huisache Ave, Rio Hondo, TX 78583, on May 8, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by Burial at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 State Highway 345, San Benito, TX 785867351, US, on May 8, 2026, at 11:00 am.