CONCHA O. GONZALEZ

1917 - 2014

MRS. CONCHA O. GONZALEZ Mrs. Concha O. Gonzalez, better known by loved ones as "Conchita", went to heaven to join her beloved spouse Carlos and many other members of her family on March 5, 2014. She was born to Encarnacion Olivares Villarreal and Petra Cantu de Olivares on August 16, 1917 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas Mexico. She resided all her life in McAllen, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carlos V. Gonzalez, her sisters, Felicitas "Fela" Cuellar (Houston, Texas), Lilia Leal (Monterrey, Nuevo Leon), Elvira Renteria (Reynosa, Tamaulipas), and her brother Eduardo Olivares (Houston, Texas). She is survived by her brother Eliberto "Beto" Olivares (Cerritos, California), her three sons: Carlos V. Gonzalez, Jr. (San Antonio, Texas), Edward A. "Eddie" (Velma) Gonzalez (McAllen, Texas) and Robert J. "Bob" (Laura) Gonzalez (McAllen, Texas) and two daughters: Dalinda (Arnaldo "Nano") Ramirez (McAllen, Texas) and Diana "Dianita" Alicia Gonzalez (McAllen, Texas); her eight grandchildren: Dalinda I. "Lindabel" Ramirez (New Jersey) Melissa A."Missy" Rowland (Oklahoma), Arnaldo "J.R." Ramirez, III (McAllen, Texas), Clarissa Y. Ramirez (New Jersey), Veronica V. Gonzalez ( McAllen, Texas), Eduardo A. "Eddie" Gonzalez, Jr.( McAllen, Texas) , Dr. Armando J. Gonzalez (McAllen, Texas) , Chelsea V. Gonzalez (South Padre Island, Texas) along with three great-grandchildren: Jarrett E. Rowland (Oklahoma), Jalissa E. Rowland (Oklahoma) and Ava M. Mastriani-Ramirez (New Jersey) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Conchita attended school and graduated from McAllen High School in 1937. After meeting Carlos V. Gonzalez, the love of her life, they married in 1941 prior to him serving in World War II. She owned and operated her own beauty salon for over 35years. She decided to continue her education at the University of Houston to study Administration in Education, and continued her career as Region 1 Head start Administrator at the former Sacred Heart School Campus in McAllen. She spent her retirement enjoying being an Avon Representative alongside her daughter Diana for 26 years, "Yes, Avon calling"! While raising her children she was an active member in several organizations which included The March of Dimes, Easter Seals, Lions Club, Boy Scout Den Mother, and Better Homes and Garden Club. Her conservative values led her to becoming an active political supporter. Her belief was always to give to others rather than giving to herself often supporting organizations such as St. Jude's Children's Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Easter Seals, and various Veteran groups. She was a very talented, self taught pianist and enjoyed playing duets with her sister Lilia and cousin Licha. When it came to enjoyment, she loved spending time with family supporting the arts, music, dance recitals, concerts, local, Collegiate, and Professional athletic teams. Many wonderful memories were made also while traveling to California and Las Vegas several times a year with family members. What a "Lucky Lady"! Family members will always remember her infectious love of life and positive humorous outlook. Visitation will be held from 5pm – 8pm on Sunday, March 9th with a Rosary Prayer Service at 7pm at Kreidler Funeral home in McAllen. Funeral Service will take place Monday, March 10th at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Serving as Pallbearers are: Arnaldo "J.R." Ramirez, III, Eduardo A. Gonzalez, Jr., Armando J. Gonzalez, Eduardo Olivares, Xavier Renteria, and Arturo Renteria. Honorary Pallbearers are: Eliberto Olivares, Jr., Alfredo Olivares, Ruben Leal, Robert Gutierrez, Jr., Frederico "Fred" Olivares, and Jaime Olivares. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. We would like to extend a special thanks and gratitude to the nurses that attended to Conchita at Briarcliff Nursing Home, Gracia Hospice Care and Criselda Ledesma. Kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries