Irma G. Gonzalez

1940 - 2020

Weslaco - Irma Gonzalez, age 80, died peacefully at her home and entered the gates of heaven on December 24, 2020.

Irma was born on October 15, 1940, in Kennedy, TX, where her maternal grandparents lived. Irma was the first of six children born to Manuel and Elida Gonzalez. She grew up during the time when schools were segregated, and she therefore started school in the Mexican School in Edcouch which was located across the street from her parents' home. She was an exemplary student and graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School in May 1959. During her high school years she was a member of the Pep Squad and never missed any of her team's football games. She yelled so loud during the games that she would completely lose her voice. After a game against Weslaco High School which Weslaco won, she complained that Edcouch-Elsa had lost the game because Weslaco had a giant playing on their team. The giant she was referring to was none other than Bobby Lackey who later played Quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns where he earned All American honors. After graduation she pursued higher education.

Irma valued education and was a trailblazer for other Hispanic women. She was the first in her family to obtain her Bachelor's degree as well as her Master's degree from Pan American College. She began her career in the mid 1960's as a teacher in Weslaco, TX. She would later serve as a librarian, an administrator as Federal Programs Director and an Interim Superintendent. She was beloved by her students and all of the staff that she had the privilege to work alongside. Irma was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Beta Sigma Phi, which promote professional and personal growth of women and excellence in education. Moreover, after retiring from the public school system, Irma desired to continue serving others and utilizing her gifts, so she began working as a librarian in a prison.

Irma married Reynaldo Gonzalez of Mission in Weslaco on June 19, 1965. Together they traveled and cared deeply for their nieces and nephews. One of their favorite spots for summer vacations was Brackettville, where many wonderful memories were forged with family members. Irma cared for Reynaldo until his passing in December of 1993.

Irma was a woman of great faith. She was shown the love and mercy of God from an early age by her mother. As a result, Irma developed a strong faith in the Lord and a passion to serve in her church. Irma was a member of the Elsa United Methodist Church, where she served in different capacities. She led countless Christmas programs, church wide events, and Sunday School classes. Also, she was active in the United Methodist Women for many years. Her heart to serve the Lord was so evident.

Irma was a ray of sunshine. Quite appropriately, Irma's favorite color was yellow. Her personality was infectious; her giggle and beautiful smile brought joy to the atmosphere. She was lively, silly, and could light up any room. She especially loved to joke around with her siblings and tease them. The joy she brought into this world will be greatly missed.

Thank you all for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. Irma lived with purpose, faith, and passion. Her legacy will live on in each life she touched in such profound ways.

Irma is preceded in death by her husband Reynaldo Gonzalez, her parents Manuel and Elida Gonzalez, her nephew Chip Vasquez and her brother-in-law Salvador Gonzalez. She is survived by her five siblings: Manuel B. Gonzalez Jr. (Aurora), Ilda Vasquez (Jose Baldemar), Eloy Z. Gonzalez (Elma), Inelda Gonzalez (?Salvador), and Eduardo Gonzalez and her partner and caretaker, Pedro Trevino Jr.

Visitation Services for Irma will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Highland Funeral Home located 6705 N FM 88 in Weslaco, Texas. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas.

The pallbearers will be nephews Manuel Gonzalez III, Eloy Gonzalez II, Eduardo Gonzalez Jr., Eli Gonzalez, Eric Gonzalez, and Godson Manuel Gonzalez IV.