Dates
Herlinda “Linda” Villarreal Gonzales was the oldest child of Evelio & Oralia Villarreal born on August 22, 1946 in San Angelo, Texas.
On May 16, 1962, Linda married the love of her life, Alfred Gonzales. Together, they had three children, Alfred Jr., Theresa Lynn, and Donn Albert.
Linda worked for GTE, later Verizon and retired after more than 25 years of service. Working in CPR, Revenue Accounting, SSCC, and Assignment. While there, she was very proud of also serving as a Steward for the Communications Workers of America.
Linda developed many lifelong friends from her time at GTE who she remained good friends with until the day she passed.
Linda and Alfred enjoyed travelling together. During their many vacations they travelled to Florida, Georgia, Nevada, but their favorite state to travel to was California!
From San Diego to Los Angeles, up the Pacific Coast Highway, to several National Parks, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and many places in between. And Las Vegas and Tahoe in Nevada.
Linda even traveled three times to Europe, and even went on several cruises.
While visiting at the Vatican, Linda was “accidently pushed” into an “Invitation Only” Mass with Pope John Paul II. And if you knew her you were not surprised.
Linda also loved shopping! She couldn’t resist sale, especially end of season sales that were 50%, and 75% off.
Linda was a devout lifelong Catholic. Her love of her Catholic faith was a treasured and a legacy gift from her parents, who were also devout Catholics.
Linda was very active at St. Joseph’s. She was a member of the Alter Society, The Guadelupana’s Society, and was their Treasurer for four years. She was also a Eucharistic Minister. She was also in the ministry of preparing and serving meals for bereaved families.
Linda was very involved in ACTS for many years, serving as a Team Lead on many retreats. She received tremendous joy in serving others in this capacity.
Linda, to say the least, loved the privilege of serving.
In Matthew 20:28, “Even as the Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve…”
Linda did this in many capacities.
Linda struggled on Ash Wednesday to receive her ashes, and continued to receive communion until she could not swallow anymore.
Linda’s determination and faith was strong, and unwavering.
For the last ten years of her life she was a dialysis patient. She was also cancer survivor. Due to complications of dialysis treatment, she was a frequent patient and had numerous procedures.
Linda was a very positive person. She never complained. She just persevered. She always had a constant smile on her face. She always had faith that everything would be okay.
Linda was a fighter.
Linda was a loving and supportive wife and mother.
Linda was an even a better Grandma.
The Best Grandma Ever!
Linda loved doting on her grandchildren. She went out of her way to make each and every one of them feel special their own special way.
Linda loved crafting, and was very artistic and creative. She accessorized many shorts, shirts and socks for her grandchildren.
As tired and exhausted as she was, she did not want to miss a thing.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Evelio and Oralia Villarreal, her grandparents Teodoro and Adella Castorena, and her son, Donn Albert Gonzales.
Linda is survived by her husband, Alfred Gonzales; her siblings Chris Hogeda, Marie Villarreal, and Evelio Jr and Abby Villarreal; her children Alfred Jr. and Sofia Gonzales, and their children Brianna, Amanda, and Sergio; Theresa Gonzales. and her children Monica and Emilio Jr. , Donn Alberts widow, Mary Gonzales, his children Cameron Gonzales and Megan Peters.
Great grandchildren Christopher Llanes, Angelo and Xavier Garcia, Adrian Vasquez and Aubrey Quintanilla.
And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren who were loved by her.
Pallbearers will be Michael Aguilar, Roger Hogeda, Arthur “J.B.” Gonzales, Angelo and Xavier Garcia, and Adrian Vasquez.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 301 West 17th Street. Graveside service will follow at 3:00pm at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.