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BORN
1938
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
417 E. Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CLARA GONZALES Obituary
Clara Stanek Gonzales, longtime resident of Santa Fe and Los Alamos, passed away on July 1, 2023, from breast cancer. She was born 2/4/1938, the first daughter of Joseph B. Stanek and Angeline Laurence in Bolivar, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband Juan B. Gonzales; an infant son Johnny Joseph, her parents, her brother Joseph D. Stanek, and sister Joyce Elaine Hogan. Clara graduated from Marion C. Early High School in Polk County Missouri, and joined the Women's Army Corp (WACs) on 6-26-1956, where she met and married (1958) Juan B. Gonzales (US Navy), her sailor for the next 49 years. They have three children: Deborah M., Diana (Mark) Martinez, John Joseph (aka Juan José) raised in the Casa Solana area of Santa Fe. They have nine grandchildren: Richard Gonzales, Felisha (Phillip) Romero, Isaac (Sarah) Chavez, Gina Michelle, Juan Miguel and Joseph Michael; Isaac Mark (Niki) Martinez, Catherine Andrea, and Ruben Benjamin; and great grandchildren, Jimmy and Hope Aragon, Brooklynn Martinez, Ashaya Hyde, Elijah Joseph Gonzales, and Priscilla, Rose, Jude, Ruth, and Maria Chavez. Also surviving her are her sister Mary J. Postle of Tyler, TX, and a brother Robert (Cheryl) Stanek of Aiken SC, along with many nieces and nephews, in-laws and outlaws. Juan and Clara owned and operated the Don Juan's Beauty Salon for many years in Santa Fe (1963-1967 in Solana Center, and from 1967-1982 at 1372 Cerrillos Road). All throughout her life, Clara enjoyed tracing the family tree and visiting with family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held on July 28, at 10 am at the Rivera Funeral Home in Santa Fe, followed by interment with military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, and a reception. Those wishing to video stream services may access the link through the Santa Fe Rivera Funeral Home website.
Rivera Family Funerals
and Cremations
417 East Rodeo Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 989-7032
riverafamilyfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for CLARA GONZALES
Karen Denison
August 19, 2023
Clara was one of the first on the street to greet us when we moved into our house oh-so-many years ago. A welcoming and generous soul, she will be greatly missed. Condolences to the whole family.
Lourdes
August 14, 2023
1958 Met Juan and Clara they were as close as two minutes to eleven; both were lively; glad to know both of them as well as Debbie, Diana and jj; can't help but remember them as The Happy Couple! They remain alive through our memories; continue the story telling; this was one of Clara's gifts as well as her likeability.
Lindy & Daniel Tijerina
July 11, 2023
Dear Gonzales family, We send our heartfelt condolences and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Aunt Clara was extra special to me. I will always carry her in my heart, along with Uncle Juan. Love, Lindy
Anita Guerra
July 10, 2023
My condolences to the Family may he rest in peace.
John so sorry for your loss, mothers are the hardest person in live to loose for they are the once that truly love each and every one of us children. Remember she is your ANGEl now.
Clara and I actually got to talk alot together.
She will be missed.
Diana
July 8, 2023
The best woman I ever knew, perfect role model of unconditional love and kindness. The best story teller, great sense of humor and laugh, and so strong a brave that she arrested someone with her pointed finger. What a blessing to know and love you, Clara.
Martha K
July 8, 2023
Sending love to Diana and family. Clara was so blessed with your loving care.
Rebecca Post
July 8, 2023
Sincere sympathy to you, dear Alfonso, for the loss of your sister-in-law. Please try to keep in mind that, in Reality, life is eternal.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
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Memorial Events
for CLARA GONZALES
Jul
28
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m.
Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Santa Fe and Santa Fe Memorial Garde417 E. Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Funeral services provided by:
Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations of Santa Fe and Santa Fe Memorial Garde417 E. Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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