Maria Gonzalez

Mercedes Cabrera Gonzalez passed away Friday, July 16th, 2010, at the age of 84, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.-

Mrs. Gonzalez was born in Laredo, Texas on August 27, 1925.-One of her favorite childhood memories was of playing hooky with her grandfather.-

Mrs. Gonzalez graduated from Martin High School in 1943, then worked at the telephone company as a young woman, a job that she really enjoyed.-

After World War II she met and married Ignacio Gonzalez. They were married 57 years.

Mrs. Gonzalez, a devoted mother and grandmother, was considered the matriarch of her family.-For over 31 years, family get-togethers consisted of "tamaladas" at home.-Her hobby was sewing but her passion was her grandchildren.-She very much enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Gonzalez was preceded in death by her husband, Ignacio Gonzalez; her parents, Pedro Cabrera and Maria Mercedes Ugarte; and her brother Pedro Cabrera II.

She is survived by her children Mercedes "Merci" G. (Manuel) Ramos of San Antonio, Texas, Rebecca G. Benavides of Laredo, Texas, Clara G. McGovern of Boerne, Texas and Ignacio David Gonzalez Jr. of Mansfield, Texas.-Also surviving her are her grandchildren Luis D. (Heather) Benavides Jr. of Laredo, Omar Benavides of Houston, Kristina, Merci and Marisol Gonzalez of Mansfield, and Brian McGovern of Boerne, Texas.

Other devoted family members include sisters Maria Isabel Cabrera, Maria del Refugio Gonzalez, Clara Ana (Jack) Carpenter, brother Luis (Doris) Cabrera; sister-in-law Bertha Cabrera; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Carlos Cigarroa, his staff, and Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa.-A special thanks to her caregiver of 7 years "Febe" Avila and her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring and Cortez; 956-722-0001.