Mary Gonzales

Our beloved, Mary Gonzales, born Maria de Jesus Gomez, passed away on July 15, 2015 at the age of 92. Mary was a lifelong resident of Phoenix, Arizona, who grew up in the Golden Gate barrio of Phoenix. She was close to her brothers and sisters, Lupe Gomez, Tony Gomez, Tito Gomez, John Gomez, Marina Ruiz and Francis Luevano, and best friend, Toni Campa, all of whom predeceased her. Mary was widowed from Ernest Chavez, Sr. and Frank Gonzales.

She was a loving mother and incomparable role model to her children. She was admired for her kindness, generosity, and subtle sense of humor. Mary‘s unflagging energy, hard work and devotion to family was inspirational, and was matched by a creative spirit. Extended family and friends enjoyed her gifts of needlework and traditional Mexican foods. Mary is survived by her three children, Bea Amari (David), Ernie Chavez (Queta) and Helen Gonzales (Jon Mirto), grandchildren Nick Amari, Santino Eppinger, Julie Lehman (Joel), and Magdalena Mirto, great-granddaughter Mikayela Eppinger, best comadre Lupe Gutierrez, and good friend, Leona Chavez. Many thanks to Mary’s caregivers in the Memory Care Unit (and kitchen staff) at Olive Grove. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, followed by Interment at St. Francis Cemetery.