Mary Ellen Gonzales

Eleven years after the untimely news of her hemorrhagic stroke, Mary Ellen "Teddy" Gonzales, age 66, of Beaumont, Texas bravely ended her battle with post-stroke paresis on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Village Creek Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Lumberton, TX. Mary was born July 4, 1954 at St. Therese Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. Her indomitable spirit, her titanic personality, her uncompromised benevolence and her time-tested, unwavering faithfulness to her friends and family cemented a legacy that is vast and unforgettable; her impact on the lives of those that had the distinct privilege of knowing her made her a pillar in that community of loved ones proud to call her "friend."

Words hardly suffice to describe just how important Mary was to those who loved her, and furthermore, how dispirited we are by her absence. Our loss is as immeasurable as her beauty. Those who loved Mary, loved her with a depth and intensity that is hardly understood by those unfortunate to have never known such kinship. It is with great honor that we lay our legend, our icon, and our beautiful friend to rest. May heaven finally grant her the peace that she so deserves. Eternally, we love you, Mary.

Mary is survived by a loving community of friends and extended family members across the country, sister Cyndi Doleman and her husband Don; nephew Christopher Rice, great-niece Ravyn Deckert, great-nephew Austin Deckert and great-nephew Christian Deckert. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother Hazel Barrios and father Fritz Gonzales; her niece, Robyn Deckert; her fiancé Jimmy King; and many close, personal friends over the years who profoundly influenced her life.

A gathering of family and friends for Mary will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine, Beaumont, Texas 77703. Chapel service will occur Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine, Beaumont, Texas 77703.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Gonzales family.

Stars and time keep no distance between our love. May you shine as brightly above as you did in our lives.