Juanita V. Gonzales' Obituary
Juanita V. Gonzales passed On July 22, 2014, she entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is survived by her husband Jacob, daughters Katherine the primary caregiver, Victoria & Romana. Her only surviving member of her original family is Miguel Vasquez. She was preceded in death by her daughter Beatrice Jane. On the 22nd she was surrounded by her family at her home in North Tacoma as she passed. As a young woman she grew up in the San Antonio, TX attending Johnson Elementary School on Laredo St. She attended Lanier and became a Majorette wearing the "BLUE JACKET' with honor and pride. During her school years, she recounted the many stories of how she would do her chores for the school teachers in order to earn some spending and saving money. She met and married her school yard and classmate Jacob. His military career took them to Forbes A/F base in Topeka where 2 of the girls were born. returned to San Antonio, where Katharine was born then on to Tacoma where the baby Victoria was born. HE was a cook. She was a blessed Mother that stayed at home to raise the family. Jacob always wanted the best for Juanita and his family. She was a tough disciplinarian as most mothers are... she had the look that spoke volumes as she said nothing. While Jacob was away serving our country, Mother held down the home front. She served in many jobs that focused on the care and needs of children... “Any Baby Can” and the Tacoma School District kitchen staff. She treasured the comments and the relationships with her special little friends she made in the schools she traveled to.
It was said of her "This lady with a big heart and spoke with fairness." As a family, we especially treasure the counsel that she gave us as she spoke to the affairs of life. She was always supportive of Family and even extended family members. My Mother was the first person to bring to me-Romana to faith in Jesus as Lord & Savior. She armed me in the affairs of life, as she knew when in the world we would need protection by the best. Juanita loved to sew ... there are many fond memories of the women gathering together to crochet and sew. Reading, sewing & crocheting were her hobbies.
Her family included Husband SGT Jacob Gonzales Jr; daughters Katherine Gonzales, Victoria Baum and Husband Michael, Romana Hatfield and Husband Charles; grandchildren Rey G Rodriguez (who also was a part of his Grandmother’s care team), Gary J. Swarm, Jacob J. Swarm and Callie, Danielle F. G. Macomber and husband Justin, Edward G. Hatfield, Bruce and Wife Jenna Warden, Simon J. Baum, Sofia J. Baum; great-grandchildren Ethan M. Macomber, Ghabriel Swarm( it needs to be said that Ghabriel was the first to notice the change in Grandmas condition and called it to the attention of the family (Yeah Gabe!). Desirae I. Macomber, Preston E. Macomber & Alyssa Lou Hatfield; many nieces, nephews and their children. The list spans 4 generations. At this time, we also want to thank Juan and wife Terry for their loving emotional and professional support. We must also say that we are thankful to all the family members who came to see her towards the last months of her life. Knowing our Mother she wouldn't want all the fuss.
What’s your fondest memory of Juanita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juanita?
Share a story where Juanita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juanita you’ll never forget.
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