Maria "Teresa" Gonzalez

Maria “Teresa” Gonzalez was born September 6, 1945. She died January 22, 2021 at the age of 75. She lived in Salem, Oregon. She was the eldest daughter of Juan and Petra Gonzalez. She is survived by her husband, Ramon Gonzalez, her step-children, siblings and many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren.

Teresa and her parents moved between Texas and Mexico during her early years because it was hard to make a living in Mexico. She was very proud of how hard her parents worked to make a better life for their family in Texas and Oregon. Teresa was 16 when the family moved to Oregon to pick beans and berries.

Teresa was like a second mom to her 7 siblings and she helped her mom with cooking and cleaning. Growing up, she was always the person that people could depend on. She attended her siblings' parent-teacher conferences, assisted her parents with financial transactions, helped them buy their farm, and was their caretaker later in life.

Teresa received her GED and attended Merritt-Davis Business College. She was a very smart woman and always helped others with their school work, studying, and typed their papers. After working in business for a few years, she eventually got a job as a bi-lingual secretary for the Marion County Education Service District where she worked for 33 years in different roles.

Teresa and Ramon were married October 16, 1982. They enjoyed traveling and cruises together and made friends wherever she went, including good friends in Israel.

She was famous for her cooking, especially her zucchini bread, canned goods, enchiladas, and always sent people home with extra jars of her famous salsa.

She was matriarch of the family and she loved sharing stories about her parents. She had a quick sense of humor, a wonderful laugh, and was fiercely loyal to the people that she loved.

She was active in her church, community, and with her family, and will be deeply missed by all.

A rosary will be held February 1st at 9:30 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1010 Columbia St. NE, Salem. A private Mass will follow at 10am. Visitation and reception to follow Mass at 11:30am at Howell, Edwards, and Doerksen Funeral Home at 1350 Commercial St SE, Salem. Interment will be held at 2:30pm at Belcrest Memorial Park 1295 Browning Ave S, Salem. There is limited seating at the rosary and Mass, and masks are required for all services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Gonzalez family.