Dolores Gonzales

1929 - 2016

Dolores Gonzales
June 6, 1929-June 8, 2016
Resident of Sunnyvale
Dolores Gonzales, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Sunnyvale Post-Acute Center in Sunnyvale, CA. Her loving spirit and devotion for her family will continue to live on in the hearts of her children and family.
Dolores was born June 6, 1929 in Tucson, AZ, was raised and lived in Tucson until the age of nineteen, when she married Robert H. Gonzales. They moved to San Francisco, CA in 1949, and then to Sunnyvale, CA in 1954. She lived in Sunnyvale for 62 years. Born during our nation's deep depression of the 1920s & 30s to Mexican immigrants, Dolores and Robert did not have access to the education opportunities, but they always encouraged their children and grandchildren to pursue an excellent education. With a very limited education, she ran her household like a business, supported her husband who was a community activist, and raised five children. Dolores and Robert left their family with a rich legacy focused on education, hard work, and community service. Her five children have higher education degrees, they are community leaders in education and philanthropy, including her son Ron, who served as an elected official in Santa Clara County, including Councilmember and Mayor of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and City of San Jose Mayor.
Dolores' cooking and baking is well-known among her family and friends. Some of those cooking and family traditions include, tamale making day, and her holiday baking. Friends and family would come to expect a "goodie bag" of Christmas cookies and breads as their holiday presents. When the kids were young, Dolores would make dozens of tamales that would be shared among her neighbors, family and friends. Later when her kids and grandkids were grown, "tamale making day" would become an annual tradition.
Those left to treasure her many memories are her beloved children and family; three sons Robert (Catherine, preceded in death), Ron (Guisselle), Daniel (preceded in death), two daughters Deanna and Maria Carlotta (Chris); grandchildren Andrea (Andrew), Adam (Brienne), Anita, Miranda (Wally), Rachel, Alejandra (preceded in death), Andrew, Marisa, Anthony; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; six siblings preceded in death. In 1994, her beloved husband, Robert H. Gonzales, preceded her in death.
A Vigil and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at LIMA & CAMPAGNA SUNNYVALE MORTUARY, 1315 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale. A celebration of Dolores' life will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church located at 1971 St. Lawrence Dr., Santa Clara. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Los Altos.
The family appreciates your continued prayers and support. If you wish to send flowers, please send them to the funeral home.


View the online memorial for Dolores  Gonzales