Carmen C. Gonzales, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on May 5.  She was born the middle of seven children on January 9, 1924 in Pico Rivera, CA.  Her family moved to Stockton where she met her husband, Joe V. Gonzales.  They purchased and settled in their Manteca home in 1957.  Carmen belonged to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1051 and was a former member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. Carmen will be most remembered for her loving, outgoing and cheerful spirit.  When she walked into a room, she was the life of the party. A few of her passions in life were cooking, listening to music, singing and dancing. She was a great cook and cooked for many local fundraising events. 

Carmen is preceded in death by her late husband Joe and son, Arthur Gonzales, her parents and all her siblings. She is survived by her children, Joe A.  Gonzales of West Covina, CA and Madeline Hernandez of Manteca, CA.  Her nine grandchildren: Melissa, Sammy, Joey, Steve, Mario, Madeline, Stefanie, Tina and Arthur, Jr., seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at DeYoung’s Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St, Stockton.  Chapel services will be held at DeYoung’s on Thursday, May 9 at 9 a.m. She will be laid to rest at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, Stockton. For condolences to the family, please visit her online guest book at www.deyoungschapels.com .

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, May 8, 2013