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Celia Gonzalez Obituary
of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 21, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Jerome, Arizona on October 21, 1930 to Augustine and Balbina Romo. She eventually settled in Phoenix after marrying the love of her life, Manuel. They married on May 25, 1950 and had two children. Sally graduated with her Associates degree from Phoenix College and worked in the Murphy School District. After she retired from teaching she stayed home to help take care of her grandchildren. Sally was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will always be remembered for her love and laughter. She will be greatly missed by all. Sally was preceded in death of her siblings Mary Encinas, Lily Diaz, Louie Romo, Ramona Hernandez, Minnie Garcia and Manuel Romo. She is survived by her husband Manuel; two sons, George and wife Mary Gonzalez, Mark and wife Ofelia Gonzalez; along with three grandchildren Christopher, Brittany and Elizabeth Gonzalez. She is survived by her brother Lupe and Ruth Romo. Visitation will be on Friday, December 26, 2014 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a Rosary beginning at 6:30 pm at St. Matthew's Catholic Church located at 320 N 20th Drive, Phoenix. Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 10:00 am at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with a Celebration of Life to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers; please make a donation to Arizona's Hospice of the Valleyhttps://www.hov.org/donate
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Memories and Condolences
for Celia Gonzalez
Sponsored by George Gonzalez Family.
K Keahey
December 20, 2023
Beautiful Precious Sally ...
Ramona Montgomery
January 1, 2015
You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten, RIP my dear Aunt Sally, till we see you again, I love you...
George Gonzalez
January 1, 2015
Celia (Sally) Gonzalez, Mom's Eulogy by Son, George - 12/26/14
First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, my brother and his family and all our cousins, friends who extended themselves and assisted in prayer and actions in preparation of our mother's final journey home. I also want to thank Hospice of the Valley - Arizona who treated our mother with care and dignity as they did with all the family who took up residence there in their facility while waiting for my mother's calling from our God. I also want to thank St Matthews for allowing us to have the rosary and funeral mass here. I also thank them for allowing use of the parish Hall where we will have a reception after tomorrows mass.
I really never imagined that I would be up here speaking about my mother after her passing. I thought when that day did come that I would be able to enlighten others about my mother with elegant words, thought provoking experiences and moving phrases about the death of a loved one. I believed with my experiences of singing for over 1,500 funerals in the last 20 years, that I could help others during these types of events. However, I found out differently the pains and sorrow that people feel in times like this. Some of you kindly helped me through the initial shock I was feeling and I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. In reality, I realized that I was speaking to the choir and some of you helped me in the loss of a loved one.
I really do not want to dwell on our mother's suffering of ALS, Colon Cancer, tracheotomy breathing tube, feeding tube, shingles, a broken hip, and her inability to live a normal life style. All I want to say about this is she showed all of us how suffering and pain is handled. She was an extremely strong person who would not allow herself to succumb to death. She would not yield until God told her it was time to come home. While in her death bed, the priest gave our mother Holy Spiritual Communion and at that moment of communion, she took her last breath and was taken into the arms of Christ. Now even those with luke warm faith have to take notice of this experience and maybe, just maybe take a second look at their own faith.
I believe our mother was giving us a teaching moment. I believe she was saying “through pain and suffering comes love”. Maybe she was saying that life is too short to allow division from one another. Maybe it's ok not to be right all the time. I believe her message to me was loud and clear. “Love and take care of your father, love your brother and his family, love your wife and your family, be charitable and caring, be happy rather than right, and most of all, love God with all your heart.
Our mother was an awesome woman! She was an awesome grandmother, aunt, sister, wife but mostly an awesome mother. Our mother was loving, caring, sharing, helpful, and available to her family. She was giving, persistent, strong willed, opinionated and protective of all of us. What a woman! What a mother!
Our mother is truly in a much better place now, no pain, no suffering, and no worries. She is rejoicing with all her loved ones and friends who were waiting for her. She's happy, I'm happy! My family is happy!
Sally Hernandez
December 30, 2014
Ms Sally for you are now resting in the best place in Paradise with our Blessed Father with no more pain and healed we will miss you dearly!
For you were like dear family to us The Hernandez' s we appreciate all the love & support you and Manuel gave us! Great memories we will always cherish of you! May you rest in peace!
shirley koneke
December 30, 2014
Sally thank you for being a amazing mother for george and mark. May you now rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers be with your family
December 28, 2014
Mark, Ofelia and family our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mom. May all your precious memories and your faith help you at this most difficult time. Blessings, Roberta y Juan
Mary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Sally: Thank you for saying yes to God and having your son George. As his wife, I will be forever grateful to you and dad. May the light of Jesus Christ continue to light the way for us. Pray for us~ Love Mary
We Love our Family!
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
George holding his mother's hand
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Our Beautiful Mother~
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
George's Family
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Mark's Family
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Spent much time around the dinning table
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
With our two sons, George & Mark
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Sally and Manuel
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Grams and Elizabeth
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
The look of Love~
GeorgenMary Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
jimmy acuna
December 26, 2014
My deep regrets and sorrow to the family ,Sally was an inspiration and friend, especially in my youth. I will always remember her as a sweet person and know she is with the Angels.
Cheryl, Kieth, Sara & Ian Calvert
December 26, 2014
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time, may your memories bring you comfort now & aways.
Lundy Robledo
December 26, 2014
My love and prayers go out to the Gonzales family. My aunt Sally is in Gods hands now .Love your cousin Lundy Robledo and family from California
gonzales
December 26, 2014
Aunt Sally your in Gods hands now .I will pray for the family George and Mark and their family. Im sorry i could'nt be there but my prayers are with you. Love your cousin from California Lundy Robledo (Romo) and family
Karen Chavez
December 26, 2014
Love you Mucho Mas Auntie Sally!
Connie Escobedo
December 26, 2014
My condolences to the Gonzalez Family for the loss of your mother. May her humble soul rest in peace, for she is lifted into the garden of heaven.
Yolie Gutierrez
December 26, 2014
May God's love continue to guide you on this journey! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she RIP.
December 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark, and your family. I know all of you will treasure a lifetime of beautiful memories as she will live on in your hearts and minds forever.
Tessie and Gilbert, Ida Acuna
Ray and Lola Acuna
December 26, 2014
With deepest sadness we say goodbye to a beautiful lady, Mrs. Sally. Thank you.
Kelly Branum
December 26, 2014
Your love, kindness & laugh will be missed by all who knew you... my love & prayers go out to all of Aunt Sally's family.
Vera Sarzoza
December 26, 2014
My Deepest Condolences to you all. You are in my prayers
Hilda D
December 26, 2014
Mark,
May you find comfort in the Lord, for he made her your guardian Angel,
Dina Ramirez-Fimbres
December 26, 2014
Sally, you are the sunshine that would light up the room the moment you would walk into my nana's house. We loved hearing your voice, your laugh and seeing your smile! I will continue to drive my Nana down the same road you two would travel to the casino together listening and singing your songs. We Love and will miss you greatly!
December 26, 2014
Gonzalez Family,
We love you all Gods Blessings and are thoughts Prayers are for each and every one of you. (We LoVe you Nana "Sally") Love Kristine,Valentino Monique, Santana Keahey
As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens."Author unknown
Karen, Joe, Angelique, Joey, Jordan and Orlando Chavez
December 26, 2014
Auntie Sally, your unconditional love, faith and beautiful laugh will be so missed in our family..May all of those traits be instilled in all of us..Give my Mama and Grandma Lily and all the rest of the family a big hug and kiss..and may you all be dancing in the sky!
Dina Romo
December 26, 2014
My dear Aunt Sally, thank you for the memories you leave us, the love you showed us, and the faith you taught. I will miss you dearly, but you will always be in my heart. I love you; always have and always will.
Larry, Dolly, and Josie Martinez
December 26, 2014
Gonzalez Family,
Our sympathies to you on the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace and may God bless you.
Mark Gonzalez
December 26, 2014
Our hearts ache. Your love, laughter and unconditional love will be missed. Mom, rest in peace, your love and spirit will be everlasting in our hearts forever!
Mark, Ofelia & Brittany Gonzalez
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