the funeral home has a website where a biography can be written and pictures posted of your loved one...here is the niography my aunt wrote:
Many things can be said about Jennie Gonzales. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Jennie was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.
Jennie was born on November 24, 1928 at home in Riverside, California. Her parents were John & Natividad Martinez. Jennie was raised in Riverside, California. When she was young, Jennie's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Jennie demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.
Jennie grew up with 5 siblings. She had 4 brothers: Gabe, Lawrence, Victor, & Joe; 1 sister: Theresa. Jennie was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Jennie carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Jennie was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.
During her high school years, Jennie had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Jennie had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Jennie was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Jennie as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.
On 1953 Jennie married Jesus N. Gonzales by the Justice of the Peace of Riverside, California. Compassionate and devoted, Jennie worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Jesus came first in Jennie's book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Jesus's feelings. By trusting her emotions, Jennie did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Jennie was truly a person of empathy.
Jennie's quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Jennie shared these values with her 7 children, three sons, John Jesse, Richard and David Gonzales, four daughters, Mary, Susan, Velia and Erlinda. Jennie related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.
Jennie experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was her primary occupation was an Assistant Cook. Jennie always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Jennie took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Jennie was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Jennie continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.
Jennie enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Jennie were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included cruising the Hawaiian Islands.Jennie loved Mariachi music, shopping and going out to dinner. She enjoyed going for long drives, spending time with her grandchildren and everyday without fail, she watched "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie".
Jennie was a lover of animals and cherished her pet. Jennie's favorite was Chico, her pekingese, also called her "canine grandson". They were best friends for 2 1/2 years.
When Jennie's retirement finally came in 1989, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Jennie had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Jennie knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to Hemet in 2005 with her daughter, Mary. Even in retirement, Jennie continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.
Jennie passed away on April 14, 2009 at home in Hemet, California. She is survived by her children, Mary Gonzales of Hemet, Susan Cloutier of San Jacinto, Velia Olson of Wildomar, David Gonzales of Temecula and Richard Gonzales of Corona. Her brother, Victor Martinez of Whittier and her 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jennie was preceded in death by her son, John Jesse, daughter Erlinda and her husband Jesse.
Throughout her life, Jennie was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Jennie leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Jennie Gonzales.
