Dates
Maria Arras Gonzales, 91, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with rosary being said at 6:00 PM. Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Joey Faylona, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Mrs. Gonzales was born on October 22, 1932 in Mexico to Abundio and Cruz Arras. Maria grew up in El Pueblito, Chihuahua, Mexico. In the early 1950's, she moved to Sonora where she met the love of her life, Miguel Gonzales. They were married on October 13, 1954. He passed away after 64 years of marriage on November 29, 2018. She was a homemaker and was a nurse's aide at Bronte Nursing Home. She and the love of her life welcomed guests into their home. They provided not only their hospitality but offered a cup of coffee, cookies, a piece of cake, a bottle of water or even a nice warm homemade meal.
Our mother was a feisty woman. Maria was one tough cookie, she stood her ground, had no filters, and she had a hard outer shell. But...on the inside of that hard shell, she was quite the different person. Maria had a heart of gold that she carried on to the love she had for her children and grandchildren. Maria enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and in turn they had her wrapped around their fingers. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents; a brother and five sisters.
She is survived by her four children, Mikel Gonzales of Rowlett, Martha Gonzales Acosta and husband Arnaldo of Mertzon, Mario Gonzales and wife Mildred of San Angelo, and Maria E. Gonzales of Dallas; four grandchildren, Enrique Gonzales, and Rafael Gonzales both of Rowlett, Gabe Acosta and wife Andrea of Big Lake, and Marisa Gonzales of College Station; two great grandchildren, Rhyder Lane Acosta and Rhett Anthony Acosta both of Big Lake.
We would like to give a special thanks to Damacia Sanchez, to all the staff at Interim Hospice, with special recognition to Bailee, and Espy, and to all the staff at The Regency House, with special recognition to Norma Pina and Lindi Torson.