Maria J. Gonzalez, 95, of Galveston, Texas, passed into eternal life on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Galveston, Texas.

Born on March 4, 1928, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria came to the United States several times. In the early 1960s, she decided to call Galveston, Texas her home.

Along with the love she had for her family, gardening, and birds, "Mama Maria" also loved children. Besides being an avid supporter of St. Jude's Research Hospital for Children, she also touched the hearts and lives of over 100 children of UTMB faculty and staff who entrusted her with their children's care during their tenure. She became a surrogate grandmother to many of the children, often being called "Lita", as it was the name used by her grandsons. The relationship "Mamma Maria" had with many of the children she cared for continued into their adult years. Along with the loving bond she had with the children from UTMB, her wisdom and advice were often sought after by many others through the years, ensuring her wonderful influence nurtured more people than she could have ever known.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, and her loving husband, Pedro Gonzalez.

Maria is survived by her beloved family including her daughter, Sandra Maria  "Sandy" Gonzalez, grandsons Kyle Warren Dodge and Kevin Walten Dodge, former son-in-law, Kent Warren Dodge, as well as a host of other family and friends.

A Rosary, followed by a Funeral Mass, will be held 11: 00 am Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to her favorite charity, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.