OBITUARY
Maria Herlinda Gonzales, 96, of Big Lake, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Big Lake.
Born in Zaragoza, Mexico, on May 5, 1929, Maria was the eleventh of 16 children born to her parents, each of whom she now joins in eternal rest.
During a visit to see one of her brothers in 1944, she met the love of her life, Eugenio Gonzales, at a community dance. After a seven-year courtship, they married in 1951 and built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Herlinda and Eugenio spent their early years together on ranches across Texas, where she managed the home front and lovingly raised their growing family. They settled in Texon in the late 1960’s, and after Eugenio’s retirement in the early 1980s, they made their home in Big Lake.
In Big Lake, Herlinda found her true calling caring for children in the nursery at First Baptist Church.
For more than 30 years, her calm presence, gentle spirit, and cheery smile welcomed two generations of families — work she considered one of the great joys of her life.
A devout Catholic, Herlinda’s faith guided her through life’s joys and challenges. She cherished her family above all and found her greatest happiness gathered around the dining table, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and love.
Survivors include her daughters, Rosalinda Martinez and husband Mario of San Angelo and Leticia Leija and husband Fred of Big Lake; her son, Juan Gonzales and wife Cynthia of Big Lake; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews whose lives she touched.
Maria is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugenio; two children, Clementina and Eugenio Jr.; and her fifteen siblings.
Rosary will be 1 PM, and Mass will be 2 PM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church with Father Balachandra Nagipogu, officiating. Burial will follow at Glenrest Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.
Her family takes comfort knowing that her legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength will continue in the generations she leaves behind.
— From Robert Massie Funeral Home
