Natividad Gonzales

Her love and devotion as a daughter was evident and this trait would solidify her legacy.

On February 14, 1965, she married the love of her life, Raymond Gonzales. Her devotion to family was called upon when her mother, Elisa Contreras, unexpectedly passed away in 1967 at the young age of 42 years old. Tila, without any hesitation, stepped in to help her father raise her siblings along with her own growing family.

As a devout Catholic, she leaned on her faith for guidance, strength, and patience which only enhanced her nurturing soul. She was a loving mother to four children, Lupe, Ernest, Elisa and Anthony, but with a welcoming spirit, she was a mother to all who entered her home. She was a devoted wife to Raymond for almost 59 years and together they built the foundation to what is known as the Casa Gonzales. She got her hands dirty laying brick by brick right beside her husband. This example of hard work and commitment by Tila and Raymond established a culture that will be passed down from generation to generation.

As a cancer survivor of nearly 40 years, her faith in God, family, and prayer was only strengthened. A grandmother of 10, she loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, but she was a Nana to all children that entered her home. Tila enjoyed her Tela novellas, family vacations, a tidy home, and all holidays especially Christmas. She most of all loved Sunday family dinners with her kids, grandkids and whomever decided to stop by, but she never liked to share her desserts. She believed and celebrated the Virgin de Guadalupe. She fed and clothed friends and family in need. She was a very forgiving person and never turned her back to anyone. Her smile was as beautiful as her soul, and her laughter was so contagious.

Tila departed this life on October 9, 2023 and is proceeded in death by her parents, Matias and Elisa Contreras, her brothers, Matias Contreras Jr., Pete Contreras, Manuel Contreras, Felix Contreras, Frank Contreras, and Arturo Contreras. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Raymond Gonzales, her children, Lupe Gonzales-Burrell (Pete Burrell) , Ernest Gonzales (Liz Duncan), Elisa Gonzales, Anthony Contreras (Lisa Contreras), and her 10 grandchildren, Robert Laguna, Renee Contreras,A nthony Contreras Jr., Saraya Burrell, Marissa Burrell, Santino Contreras, Arianna Gonzales, Brianna Gonzales, Delyssia Gonzales, and Elexia Gonzales, along with her siblings, Anita Murillo,Irene Contreras, Olga Contreras, Rosemary Schatzabel, David Contreras, and Paul Contreras.

Tila will be missed but not forgotten as she captured a special place in all our hearts. Her customs,traditions, culture, and legacy is instilled in the next generation and for those to follow

“She was right there, swimming the river of hardship but one thing is true, Tila knew how to swim”

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