Carmen Reyes Anzaldua Gonzales, born January 6, 1937, in Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She later made her home in Galveston, Texas, where she built a beautiful life devoted to family, faith, and community.

Carmen was born to Herlinda and Jose Anzaldua and carried with her the strong values of family and devotion throughout her life. She was married to the love of her life, Doroteo "Joe" Gonzales, for 47 wonderful years. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, music, and cherished family traditions.

She dedicated much of her life to caring for her children and family. Carmen also worked for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she faithfully served for 25 years before retiring.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Andy Gonzales, Julie Cruz, Sophie Gonzales-Mata, Daniel Gonzales, Abel Anzaldua, and Emma Malmstrom.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, listed in order of age: Andrew, Gilbert, Renee, Melissa, Christina, Danielle, David, Carmen, Emma, Bobbi, Stephanie, Lynn, Thomas, Able, Herlinda (Nikki), Michael, and Madeline; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy of family and love.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Herlinda and Jose Anzaldua; her brother, Abelardo Anzaldua; her sister, Sofia Anzaldua Sandoval; her beloved husband, Doroteo "Joe" Gonzales; and her goddaughter and niece, Linda Anzaldua.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday with a rosary to be recited at 6:30pm at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00am Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Mausoleum in Galveston. Flowers may be sent to Carnes Brothers Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Eugene Daniel Mata, Melissa Marshall, Carmen Moreno, and the hospice team for their compassion, care, and support during Carmen's final days.

Carmen's life was a beautiful reflection of devotion to family, and the memories she created will continue to live on through the generations she loved so deeply.