Romana E. Gonzales

Preceded by her husband, Theodoro Gonzales, and two of her sons, Manuel Gonzales and Theodoro Jr. Gonzales, Romana Esparza Gonzales passed away peacefully from natural causes on the evening of January 7, 2014. Several members of her family were by her side including her daughters Dalia and Margaret; her sons Guadalupe and Michael; daughters-in-law Nydia and Maria Elena Gonzales; grandchildren Susie Gonzaba and Edward Gonzaba; and great grandaughter, Miranda Gonzaba.

A child of an immigrant family who traveled the Southwestern United States in a covered wagon ultimately settling in San Antonio, Texas, Romana was born in Florence, Arizona on February 29th, 1908 (a leap year). She was 105 years old at the time of her passing.

“Ama,” as she was called by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was known as a woman of tremendous independence, compassion, and dignity. After the passing of her husband, she lived alone in her own home until she could no longer walk without assistance (into her late 80s). During adulthood, Ama worked on several farms with her husband, Theodoro, and eight children picking cotton for a $1 a day. Later, in the 80's, Ama, Theodoro, and their grandchildren harvested watermelons, tomatoes, strawberries and onions. The produce was sold on the sides of streets and also to a local, well-known supermarket giant, H-E-B. Later in her life, she gardened in her own yard and taught her children and grandchildren how to make tortillas and tamales from scratch. They could never replicate her unwritten recipe.

“She enjoyed life. She loved colors, and she had a very big, green thumb,” said her granddaughter Linda Brillante, 61. She never complained of her pains or ailments, even in her waning years. Ama was also a charitable woman full of faith who regularly donated to the San Fernando Cathedral. Perhaps most of all, Ama will be remembered for her stoic approach to life and death. “My bags are packed and by the door. When God is ready, I will be ready, too,” she was heard saying.

Romana Esparza Gonzales is survived by her children Frances, Rose, Margaret, Dalia, Guadalupe, Oscar, and Michael; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren.

The Gonzales family would like to extend sincere gratitude to all of the staff of Legends Home Health Care who tended to Romana during her final moments. Flowers and memorials may be sent to Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home. Instructions are available at http://www.funerariasdelangel.com/trevino-funeral-home-cupples/en-us/index.page