Juanita A. Gonzales

It is with deep sadness that the Gonzales family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Juanita A. Gonzales, who departed from our lives on May 23, 2023. Juanita joins the love of her life, Hipolito S. Gonzales, who was a decorated Bronze Star Veteran of World War 2 and a POW. Juanita also joins her late parents, Rafael and Eufemia Auginaga, and her siblings Alfonso (Poncho) Auginaga, Antonio Auginaga, Guadalupe Auginaga (Wally), and Estolia Rios. Her unwavering love, servant heart, and nurturing spirit will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Juanita was born in Three Rivers, Texas on August 31st, 1939. Born with a natural inclination for kindness and compassion, "Janie" dedicated her life to spreading love and teaching others the value of empathy. She led by example, consistently demonstrating acts of kindness that touched the lives of countless individuals, whether it was a warm embrace, a listening ear, or a simple act of generosity.

Juanita is survived by her one living sibling, Rafela and her husband Jim Butcher, and her four children: Margaret A. Garcia, who gave her three grandchildren, Erica D. Lozano, Eugenio Garcia, and Guadalupe (Lupe) Garcia. Margaret's children gave Juanita 11 great-grandchildren. Faustino & Laura Gonzales, who gave her four grandchildren, Faustino Gonzales Jr., Jason & Jacob Gonzales, and Jeremy Gonzales. Faustino & Laura's children gave Juanita three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Patsy Pena & Jose Villarreal, who gave Juanita one grandchild, Joshua A. Villarreal. Patsy also gave Juanita three grandchildren, the late Martin Gonzales, Arthur Pena and Christopher Pena. Patsy's children gave Juanita 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The late Martin Gonzales also gave Juanita three great-grandchildren, Martin, Marcos, & Michael Gonzales. Hipolito Gonzales Jr., who gave her three grandchildren, Valerie Stokes, Selena Gonzales, and Melissa D. Hipolito's children gave her two great-grandchildren.

Juanita's love for her family was immeasurable. She found great joy in life's simple pleasures, and one of her passions was cooking for her loved ones. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and the smell of her homemade tortillas. Every gathering became a time of love and togetherness.

We invite all who knew her and were touched by her extraordinary presence to join us in honoring her memory. Minister Paul Gonzales Jr. will be officiating all services. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 9:00, Friday, June 2, 2023 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home with a rosary to be held at 7:00 PM that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are Eugenio Garcia, Faustino Gonzales, Jr., Jason Gonzales, Jacob Gonzales, Jeremy Gonzales, Joshua A. Villarreal, Arthur Pena, Christopher Pena, Martin Gonzales, Marcos Gonzales and Michael Gonzales.