Mary O. Gonzales

Mary Quijas Gonzales, 89, of Lakewood, died peacefully surrounded by family on October 28th, 2022. She was born in Kansas City, KS, on November 16, 1932, one of 13 children to the late Martin and Maria Quijas. She moved from Kansas City to Scottsbluff, NB, where she lived for many years, raising her sons, Tommy Cisneros [Timber,] Raymond Ramirez, Louie Ramirez [Seca,] Anthony Ramirez [Boulder,] and Frank Quijas.

After her marriage ended, she made a new start in Denver in 1973. She lived 35 years in the Sun Valley neighborhood, taking care of several generations of children and making many dear and lifelong friends. She then moved to Lakewood for the final 15 years of her life.

38 years ago she married Ramiro Gonzalez, who remained her life-long partner until her death. In addition to Ramiro and her sons, she leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Raymond, and her precious granddaughter, Hope, as well as all of her brothers and sisters.

Mary had challenges in life but more she had joy and celebration. She loved visitors of all sorts. Definitely family was welcome at any time --especially if she could feed them. More than one grandchild or nephew planned their visits around mealtime. Not only were their bodies fed, their souls were also fed since she was genuinely thrilled with their presence. A special event for her was when the family whose children she cared for all week came to visit her on the weekend.

She would wait for the arrival of the chile stands so she could have her year-round stash of roasted chiles. She gathered with the neighborhood women to make tamales every Christmas. Cooking was one way Mary would show and share her love. Any upcoming event [wedding, graduation, funeral, birthday] was an excuse to make a pot of green chili and Spanish rice to share. If she heard you were sick, you were probably getting food. Her family was the center of her life but she welcomed old and new friends with warmth and enthusiasm.

Her five sons were raised by her. Then, though never licensed, she provided age 0-5 year old daycare for a multitude of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, continuing her expertise in caring for the next generation of great-children. She retired just 3 years ago, at 86, and this was only at the urging of her son because she kept trying to carry the kids.

A rosary and mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Friday, 11/11/22, starting at 10:00 AM with a reception to follow. Address: 1102 12th Ave, Scottsbluff, NB.

A memorial service will be held at Newcomers Funeral Home [ 901 S. Sheridan Blvd, Lakewood, CO ] on Friday, November 18, 2022. Gathering may start at 10:00 AM and the service starts at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to share stories and memories of Mary at this service. A reception will follow at 12:00 at 1401 S. Sheridan Blvd, Lakewood, CO.