Marcella Gonzales

Marcella Gonzales was called home by her Creator on April 30th , 2021 surrounded by her family.

Marcella was born in La Garita, Colo. on April 23, 1941, the daughter of Abe and Teresa Valdez, and sister to Martha Hagan.

From her first marriage to Andrew Gonzales, Marcella had 8 children: Larry Gonzales (Jeri); Andy Gonzales; Teri Miller (Bill); Ken Gonzales (Trini); Abel Gonzales (Fran); Amy Gonzales; Ray Gonzales (Suzette); and Becky Gonzales. Over the years, she welcomed 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren (of whom, 2 will enter the world this summer); and 3 great-great grandchildren.

On July 21, 2001, Marcella married Frank Martinez, where she embraced additional family members: Jeannette (Michael) Martinez-Yackel; Frank (Marci) Martinez; Jake (Stephanie) Martinez {deceased: Jeannette; Jacqueline; Erich (Layla)} 9 Grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Marcella’s Catholic faith, family, and beloved dogs were always at the center of her life. As the backbone of her large and diverse family, she always exhibited exceptional qualities to match: stern but compassionate; strong but kind; caring but honest; creative with a great sense of humor.

These qualities always enabled her to meet every person at any intersection of life. With equal diversity, Marcella also enjoyed a wide range of hobbies: hiking, sewing, quilting, needle-point work, reading, and watching the Colorado Rockies, or baseball in general.

Marcella is preceded in death by Abe Valdez (Father); Teresa Valdez (Mother); Valentina Valdez (stepmother); and Scott Mondragon (Grandson).

A rosary will be held Thursday, May 6, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary of Saint Bernadette Catholic Parish located at 7240 West 12th Avenue, Lakewood, Colo. 80214.

The funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, May 7, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Saint Bernadette Catholic Parish located at 7240 West 12th Avenue, Lakewood, Colo. 80214

Burial services will be held in Del Norte, Colo. in the Del Norte Cemetery located at 18844 Co Rd 15, Del Norte, Colo. on May 8, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marcella Gonzales’ Martinez please visit Romero’s Sympathy Store at https://www.romerofuneralhome.com/store/home-or-office?icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#