Maxine Rae Gonzalez

Maxine (Max) Rae Gonzalez was born on March 3, 1947, in Bakersfield, CA and passed away peacefully due to complications from dementia on February 24, 2025, with her loving husband, Ray, by her side. They were married on December 6, 1975, and loved each other for 49 years & counting. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray & Maxine Polston, and her sister Norma Garbert.
Max attended North High School in Bakersfield, CA. After high school, she graduated from Bakersfield Junior College with an AA in child development. She would go on to dedicate her professional career to the well-being and nurturing of children. During her early years, she taught elementary school for Fresno Unified School District. When she wasn't working during the summer breaks, she supplemented her income by selling Tupperware. She made the change to teaching preschool in the early 1980's, until she retired from teaching in 2009.
Even in retirement, Max kept herself busy with her family & volunteering. She was an active member of the daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and she also regularly volunteered at the Veterans Hospital. Max spent many hours crocheting blankets for the Veterans that she spent time with each week during her volunteer hours. When she wasn't volunteering, she was always looking forward to her next trip to Monterey. Monterey was her "happy place". Family vacations were spent on the coast each year and long after her children were grown, Max & Ray enjoyed their time together in Monterey a couple times each year. She was an avid reader who loved to find bargain books at the thrift store. As a lover of all things crafty, she crocheted many blankets over the years for her family, made Christmas stockings for the family and made confetti eggs nearly every Easter. Forever the teacher, she enjoyed teaching her grandchildren new card games & spending time with them. Known as "Grandma Go Fish" by some of her grandkids, she enjoyed puzzles, playing card games, Scrabble or Mancala with them.
Max will always be remembered for her sharp wit, quick tongue, and her polarizing personality. To know her, was to love her and all her randomness. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She is survived by her husband: Ray Gonzalez, her two sons: Joshua Gonzalez (Kathryn) and Matthew Gonzalez (Diana), and her grandchildren: Brendan, Alexandra, Cayden, Natalie, Gabrielle, Emily, Anastasia, and Theodore.
The viewing will be from 10:00am - 12:00pm with the funeral service to follow on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Clovis Funeral Chapel.