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Irene Gonzalez Obituary

Gonzalez, Irene Age 81, of Gary and formerly of East Chicago, departed this life on Thursday, August 11, 2011. Her life reflects a passion for knowledge, social justice, and family. Irene, or "Ma," as many loved ones called her, received undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the northwest campus of Indiana University and dedicated many years to elementary education in East Chicago. Of her many accomplishments, she was most proud of her involvement with the Youth Advisory Board, the Concerned Latins Organization, as well as her helping pioneer Bilingual education program in East Chicago. She had six brothers, five sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews and was preceded in death by husband of fifty years Julio Gonzalez and daughter Julia Gonzalez Martinez. She blossomed and cared for a large family, who will continue to cherish her memory: three daughters Cynthia Guzman, Fatima Perez, Sharon (Antonio) Gomez; six sons Julio (Clara) Gonzalez, Jr., Stephen (Aida) Gonzalez, Jesse (Linda) Gonzalez, Michael Gonzalez, William (Anita) Gonzalez, Gregory Gonzalez; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Her love for her family shined brightly during Christmas Eves when she gathered them together to make the most delicious tamales. She will be missed but her presence will be felt always. Visitation will be held Monday, August 15, 2011, from 2 P.M to 5 P.M and 6 P.M to 8 P.M. Funeral services are, Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 11 A.M. All services will take place at Divinity Funeral Home 3831 Main Street East Chicago, Indiana.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune on Aug. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Gonzalez

Not sure what to say?





William Giboyeaux

August 7, 2020

Rest In Peace Ms Irene
Always admired you for being such a strong and determined women! Very well respected!

William Giboyeaux

August 19, 2011

She will be an Angel in Heaven, as she was on Earth. What a wonderful person.

August 18, 2011

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE GONZALEZ FAMILY FOR YOUR COMFORTING WORDS MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILES

toni applegate moore

August 17, 2011

To the love ones, sorry for the lost of your Ma ! may God keep and blessed all of her family.

Angel Miguel Salcido Flores

August 16, 2011

Dear Mike and Gonzalez families: Please accept my sincerest and warmest sympathy for the loss of your dearly departed "Ma" Ms. Irene Gonzalez. Celebrate her life, cherish and treasure her memories and moments with her families especially, during the holidays. Ms. Irene "Ma" Gonzalez was a pioneer, and educator. She was blessed a soul who touched and influenced many lives. Your mother was a exceptional compassionate and caring spirit who cared for the members of the community and particularly, her families. She will be sorely, missed. Your mother was the rock, love and fortitude of the family. May the Lord provide you the strength. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace. Affectionately, and Respectfully, a friend Mr. Angel Miguel Salcido Flores 1216 West 151st Apt. 1 East Chicago, Indiana 46312 ([email protected])

August 16, 2011

A wonderful human being has gone to be with God. She was and is an inspiration to many. Deepest sympathies to her family. M.Rodriguez

FRANCISCA GUTIERREZ- RUDELIUS

August 16, 2011

THE THE GONZALEZ FAMILY
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED AND GOOD FRIENDS. WE HAVE SHARED MANY FOND MEMORIES OF YOUR FAMILY ESPECIALLY MRS. GONZALES. SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. OUR HEART FILLED THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS
THE RUDELIUS FAMILY
FRANCIS(FLACA GUTIERREZ)
ARACELI & JASON E. RUDELIUS JR.

Grace Thomsen

August 15, 2011

I am saddened to hear of the death of my dear friend Irene. I remember the goodtimes: studying together and getting breakfast before classes at IUN, fundraising for B.E.S.O., and fighting for Bilingual Education in the Region, in Indiana and nationally. I cherish the time we spent in your kitchen making tortillas while the Cubs game played on your TV in the living room. Tonight I can hear the Mariachis playing for you Irene and while I am sad I know you are with the saints in heaven making sure justice prevails. Adelante!

Imelda Quiroga

August 15, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

August 15, 2011

To Jesse & Family;

Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort and laughs, in time.

Love,
MF Martinez & Family

Carmen Medellin

August 14, 2011

Mike & family
My thoughts & prayers are with you all in this difficult time.

The Aguilera's

August 14, 2011

Michael,Jesse and Family ,

The Aguilera Family would like to send our condolences and prayers to your family in these difficult times . May GOD BLESS ALL of you!

Mirna Gonzalez

August 14, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 14, 2011

To the Family of Mrs. Gonzalez,especially Sharon & Tony;
Our thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The Reillo Family
George, Esther (Yaya), Britni, & George Jr.

Jenny Rodriguez

August 14, 2011

Our prayers are with you all, words will give you little comfort at this time. There is no greater loss...
Jenny & Swipi

Carol Bernal

August 14, 2011

My heart mourns with you. May God comfort all of you in your great loss. Your friend always and forever Carol Bernal

August 13, 2011

TO ALL THE GONZALEZ FAMILY OUR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR YOU,,,,MA WAS A BEAUTIFUL LADY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, SHE WILL BE FOREVER IN MY HEART ,,,,,,LOVE YOU, MA,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,EDDIE BROOMES-ORTIZ

JAIME MARTINEZ

August 13, 2011

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY -- MAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF YOUR MOM ALWAYS BE YOUR LIGHT -- JAIME MARTINEZ AND FAMILY

DENISE KOLLAR

August 13, 2011

TINA& FAMILY, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.COOKIE

Alicia Rodriguez

August 13, 2011

Mike & family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She was an awesome woman who touched many lives. She will be deeply missed.

Diana Hawkins

August 13, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to all of Irene's family. I know she was an amazing woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Tony Hawkins Family

Carmelo Melendez

August 13, 2011

TO THE FAMILY OF IRENE
We were co-chairs of the CLO togehter and she was courageous and inspiryng. She was short in height but tall in character and leadership. She will be missed not only by her family but by those of us who loved her and admired her.

Joe Mendez

August 13, 2011

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was a Remarkable women. May God peace be with you at this time of need.

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