Maria Gonzalez

Maria "Viri" Gonzalez, 65, of Big Lake passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with a rosary being said at 6:00 PM. Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 21, 2024 at St. Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church in Big Lake with Rev. Balachandra Nagapogu, officiating. Burial will follow in Glan Rest Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Maria was born on January 25, 1959 in Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico to Gonzalo and Angelita Pena Zapata. She married the love of her life Federico B. Gonzalez in Big Lake in 1978. She was a bookkeeper for the family business. Viri loved spending time with her grandchildren, and loved family gatherings. She enjoyed shopping, traveling and going to the movies with Federico. She was full of life, laughter, and love. Viri was a member at St. Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and volunteering her time at the church store.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Viri will be missed by many, including her husband of 46 years, Federico; her four children, Cynthia Hernandez of Big Lake, Cecilia Milton and husband Michael of Brown Summit, North Carolina, Luis Gonzalez of Big Lake and Emmanuel Gonzalez and wife Lizette of Big Lake; Four siblings, Miguel Zapata and wife Aurora of Arlington, Gonzalo Zapata and wife Alicia of Big Lake, Guillermo Zapata and wife Maria of Big Lake, and Dora Rizo-Zapata of Acuna, Mexico; 11 grandchildren, Giselle LuJan and husband Arvey, Galilea Hernandez, Eli Hernandez, Isiah Milton, Merissa Milton, Mason Milton, Wesley Gonzalez, Luke Gonzalez, Leia Gonzalez, Liana Gonzalez, and Lilly Gonzalez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will always remember the good times at your house. You always made everyone feel so welcomed.