Kathy Gonzalez

Kathy Gonzalez, was born on November 28, 1986, in Fresno, California, passed away in her hometown on June 6, 2024, at the age of 37. She leaves behind a legacy marked by her vibrant personality, creative passions, and the deep bonds she forged with those she loved.

Kathy's early education spanned Hazel M. Bailey Primary School, A.E. Mills Intermediate, and Firebaugh Middle School, all located in Firebaugh, CA. She later graduated from Kastner Intermediate in 2001, Clovis West High School in 2005 and attended Fresno City College, though she did not complete her degree.

Professionally, Kathy was a versatile member of the food service industry, where she worked in various capacities including food prep, cashier, baker, and hostess. Her work ethic and fun personality made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and customers.

Beyond her professional life, Kathy was deeply engaged in the creative arts. She explored multimedia such as drawing, painting, crafts, ceramics, animation, video editing, and graphic design. Music was another significant passion of hers-she was an avid fan of Rock, Metal, Emo, Punk, and Rap, often attending live concerts. Kathy also enjoyed playing the electric guitar. She did not do lots of reading, but was obsessed with the "Gonzo Journalism" of Hunter S. Thompson. She also had a love of movies and television which is something she shared and bonded over with her twin sister Karen. Watching cartoons and sitcoms everyday and renting movies from Blockbuster Video. Her heroes were comedic actors such as Jim Carrey, Chris Farley, John Leguizamo, Will Smith and, Robin Williams. Her love for food was equally profound; not only did she work in the industry, but she relished cooking and sharing meals, always eager to try new dishes, her favorite food was anything that was free!

Kathy's life was enriched by her love of her family. She is survived by her fraternal twin sister, Karen Gonzalez; older sister, Emma Bustos; older brothers, Ignacio Gonzalez and Francisco Orbe; sister-in-law, Josie Orbe; and mother, Caritina Sosa. Her three children, daughter Alexandria and sons Louis and Benjamin, will carry forward her legacy. Kathy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Emiliano Sosa and Tomasa Llamas, and her brothers Marcelino Garcia and Carlos Wall.

Kathy had experienced joyful moments and meaningful relationships in her life, but she also faced a lot of adversity and loneliness especially during the last half of her life. She struggled with childhood trauma, mental health, and substance abuse issues that were not properly addressed. All these things culminated in her becoming homeless, which contributed to her precipitous decline, and ultimately lead to her untimely death. The through-line and driving force that motivated her through the good times and the dark times was this deep need she had to feel loved and accepted by others even if some of these other people or substances were not good for her and did not love her back, even when she was slighted by others she had a very forgiving nature. This virtue was the double-edged sword of her life. We hope she can forgive us for anything we didn't or couldn't give her. Even after everything was said and done we forgive and continue to love her still because we know her mind and body was taken over by something else completely; not by the friend, sister, daughter we knew and loved before. May she finally be free of those heavy burdens.

A private memorial for Kathy will be held, with details to be announced, allowing those who cherished and cared for her to celebrate her life and remember the joy she brought into their lives.

Reade & Sons in Fresno, CA, are assisting the family with final arrangements during this time.