 GONZALES, MARY M. Mary M. Gonzales entered eternal rest on May 4, 2014. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Pedro, her parents Juan and Eloisa Maes, and brothers Charlie and Joseph. She is survived by her four daughters Teresa Gonzales of Albuquerque; Marta Gonzales of Aurora, CO; Anna Berezin and husband Steve of Mission Viejo, CA: Rita Betty and husband Greg of Rio Rancho; and five grandchildren: Daniel, Tommy and Gina Berezin, and Sean and Ryan Betty. Other surviving family members are brother Gilbert Maes and wife Nora, children Olivia and Robert; sister-in-law Theresa wife of Charlie, and children Miriam, Carl, Michael and Catherine; brother Floyd Maes and wife Maxine, children Genevieve, Gertie, Paul and Joaquin; brother Tony Maes; sister Jennie Maes, and brother Larry Maes. Mary was born in Mora, NM on August 7, 1924, the eldest of her siblings. She grew up helping the family with farming chores, often in the company of uncles, aunts and cousins. After graduating from Mora High School in 1943, Mary attended a 6-month business school in Santa Fe, NM. Mary was employed by the University of California as a stenographer and secretary in the purchasing department supporting the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, NM from 1943 until 1948. Mary had many happy and remarkable memories of her experiences during this historic period. During WWII she kept in correspondence with Pedro Claudio Gonzales, a friend from Mora High School stationed in the US Navy. Pedro and Mary married in 1948, and made their first home in Las Vegas, NM. They welcomed their first born daughter Teresa, followed by Marta, two twin boys born prematurely and deceased, Anna and Rita. Although her preference would have been to remain a homemaker, circumstances required outside employment. She worked in Las Vegas, NM and in Santa Fe for the State of NM from 1949-1954. In 1954, the family moved to Albuquerque. Mary worked at Sandia National Labs in administrative roles beginning in 1957 until her retirement from Sandia in 1983. Mary was active in the Catholic Church over many years. She taught catechism at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic charismatic community at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish for several years. In 2006, Mary moved to Rio Rancho, where she was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Mary also enjoyed frequent visits and participation in the activities at the Meadowlark Senior Center. In her retirement, she traveled internationally to Spain, Portugal, France, the Holy Land, the Caribbean and to Hawaii. She also enjoyed traveling to California, Boston and Denver to visit her daughters. Mary had many dear friends she remained in close contact with throughout her life. Mary loved to visit her friends and family. She kept her mind sharp through interest in politics and current events. In her later years, word-search puzzles and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were favorite pastimes. Mary loved to nurture others, either by words, warm hugs or by preparing and serving her delicious, home-cooked nutritious meals. She will be remembered for her courageous, kind, gentle and generous spirit. We love you, we will miss you and we will be reunited one day, eternally. A rosary and mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish on Tuesday, May 13 beginning at 10 am, followed by internment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Catholic Charities at www.ccasfnm.org. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192
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