Minnie Gonzales

Minnie Gonzales was born on September 4, 1930; Jesus came down and wrapped his loving arms around our beautiful angel and took her home on January 6, 2022. Minnie was born a lovely baby girl to Marina & Jose Martinez of Embudo, New Mexico. She was raised by her parents, and her loving grandmother, Eva Archuleta. She was a patient, generous and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is the irreplaceable matriarch of our family and her grace and love will sustain us for the rest of our lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marina & Jose Martinez; beloved husband, James Edward Gonzales; beautiful granddaughter, Deanne Martinez; sister Bertha Martinez (Joe); sister Lillian Martinez (Ramon); brother Eliseo (Wanda); brother Gregorio (Maria); brother Pete; brother, Gene (Maryanne); also step-grandson, Richard Maes. She is survived by beloved younger sister Olivia (Noel) of California; she is also survived by brother Julian (Jessie) of Albuquerque.

She is survived by her only daughter, “her hija”, Elizabeth and husband Danny, who Minnie loved like a son. She is also survived by granddaughter Lori (Jerry); granddaughter Amanda (wife Sierra); beloved great granddaughter(s) Eliana Martinez (Andrea) and Nevaeh Chavez-Martinez. She is also survived by step-grandchildren, Marcos and Nicole. She is survived by many beloved extended relatives.  

She had special relationships with her grandchildren, to Lori and Amanda she was like a second mother. Amanda always made sure that grandma’s birthdays and holidays were special. She was always putting together dinners and little parties to celebrate her grandma’s life. Sierra had a loving, close relationship with her and has always been there for her and for the family. She was the special abuelita to granddaughters Eliana and Nevaeh. She was the loving mother in law who loved to send food to her son in law, Danny. She loved to tease and lovingly play fight with grand-son, Jerry.

In adulthood she moved to Santa Fe, NM where she started her life with husband James and daughter Elizabeth. Minnie worked for and retired from St. Vincent’s Hospital Cafeteria as a cashier for many years. She was very proud of her work there and knew every doctor and nurse by name. She made many special friendships during her employment, people who were very dear to her. Her family was always her priority, especially her granddaughters. She was a fabulous cook and was always trying to feed friends and family alike. No one ever left her house hungry. If you were a guest, she would cook you a special meal. She was a parishioner of St. John’s Catholic Church. She loved her many pets over the years, especially her two chihuahua dogs and her cat Tiger. We mention special family member, Arnold Arellano of Chandler, Arizona, who grandma thought of as a younger brother, as they were like siblings growing up. Arnold called and visited frequently. Thank you to Arnold’s brothers and sisters, who were also like siblings to Minnie.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, that statement holds true in taking care of someone in their elder years. We the family extend our loving thank you to several people who have been part of that village. Martha Medina, thank you for the love and care of our Minnie for so many years. She loved you dearly. Thank you to Martha’s husband, Alfonso Medina, who would get grandma her 31 Flavors Banana Split whenever she wanted one. Thank you to special caregivers Alexandra and Julia. You were an essential part of the team who always cared for grandma with kindness and patience. We couldn’t have done it without granddaughter Eliana, who stayed with her grandma and spoiled her; and also a special young lady who loved and cared for her, Andrea Martinez.

To view live stream please go to

https://www.viewlogies.net/rivera/btbMpAIoq?pin=943577     

User name is:  Minnie Gonzales          Pin#943-577

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Rivera’s Funeral Home. 

                                                  Services are as follows: 

                                             Wednesday, January 26, 2022

                                         Private family viewing, 11 am-12 pm, 

                                                  Public Viewing, 12-1 pm, 

                                        Followed by Memorial Service @ 1pm' 

Burial to take place following Memorial Service at National Cemetery in Santa Fe

@ 3 pm