Virginia S. Gonzales, 78, El Guache, died Friday Jan. 2, 2009. She was preceded in death by her parents Jose Miguel and Teodorita Salazar and sisters Cleo Lopez and Lucia Garcia.
She retired from the Española Public Schools after 21 years of service. She was a lifelong parishioner of The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola, and a member of The Sagrada Familia Coro of El Guache. She was especially devoted to St. Therese “The Little Flower”, and was awarded lifetime membership to The St. Therese Society.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jose Celestino Gonzales, El Guache; sons, Robert Gonzales and Samuel Gonzales, both of Alcalde, Harold Gonzales and Celestino Gonzales, Jr. both of Santa Fe, daughter Dolores Gilbert, El Guache, two much loved grandchildren; brother Salomon Salazar, El Guache; sisters, Sadie Salazar, Santa Fe, Elizabeth “Bessie” Vigil, Albuquerque; Emily Maestas, Chili Laura Prando, El Guache, and many other relatives.
Recitation of the rosary was held Jan. 6 in the Chapel of Block-Salazar Mortuary. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 7 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, with Fr. Moore officiating. Mrs. Gonzales was laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations be made in her name to The Carmelite Monastery, 49 Mount Carmel Rd. Santa Fe, NM. 87505-0352.