Maria Auxilio Gonzalez, 94, of Turlock, passed away January 17, 2023 with her family by her side.

She was born to parents Gorgonio Martinez and Josefa Campa de Martinez in Colotlan, Jalisco, Mexico.

She was married to her late husband, Victor Montoya Gonzalez and is survived by 7 children; Nick Gonzalez, Vicki (Gonzalez) Maldonado, Rita Gloria (late) Rosa (Gonzalez) Azevedo, Victor Gonzalez Jr., Albert Gonzalez, Rene Gonzalez and a host of 23 grandchildren and 41 greatgrandchildren with 2 on the way and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Maria was an extraordinary woman whom made friends easily with everyone even people she did not know. If left alone for a few minutes, she would be found talking to strangers she met about anything they had in common, family, yard work or just whatever peeked her interest. Maria loved her family and people. Maria was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. Maria would often repeat this quote, “I am 94 years old and not a bit tired.”

Maria loved to sing and had a beautiful voice that would resonate throughout church and sang alongside the choir. People often turned around to see who was singing with that wonderful voice.

As a young adult, she sang with the church choir and enjoyed every minute.

Maria was predeceased by her siblings as follows; Florencia (Lencha) Martinez Huizar, Cruz Martinez de Gonzalez, Angel Martinez, Roman Martinez, Juan Martinez, and Isidro Martinez.

Maria was a homemaker and an excellent cook. She was generous and would always have food to share with anyone that came to visit consisting of family, friends and her children’s friends. She also loved gardening and had a green thumb. All plants thrived under her watchful and caring hands.

She would often say, “I love the outside work more than inside housework.” She would spend hours outside and come in tired but satisfied she had completed a day’s work.

A viewing ceremony will be Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Rosary, at Turlock Funeral Home. A funeral Mass service will be held at the Sacred Heart Church in Turlock, 1200 Lyons Ave at 11:30 a.m. on January 27, 2023. The burial will take place after the mass service at the Turlock Memorial Park cemetery.