Norma D. Gonzales

Mercedes- Norma D. Gonzales, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on December 11, 2024, at Valley Baptist Medical Center. Born on February 29, 1960, in Los Indios, Texas, Norma embraced life with a loveable spirit that endeared her to all who knew her.

Norma was a great cook who enjoyed preparing meals that brought her family together. Her culinary talents were evident in her family's favorite dishes, including sopas de fideo, fried shrimp, breakfast tacos, and barbacoa. Saturday evenings were particularly special as she hosted barbecues, creating cherished memories surrounded by her siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends. It was evident that the heart of her home lay in the kitchen, where laughter and love mingled with the delicious smells of her cooking.

Beyond her culinary skills, Norma had a vibrant personality characterized by charm, kindness, and selflessness. She took immense pride in her role as a mother and grandmother, relishing every moment spent with her family. Her proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, who were a source of constant joy and inspiration in her life.

In addition to her family, Norma enjoyed traveling and thrifting, often uncovering hidden treasures in her favorite thrift stores. She enjoyed stimulating her mind with crossword puzzles, showcasing her competitive spirit during lively games of chalupa, a testament to her love for challenge and friendship.

Norma's caring and kind-hearted nature was evident in everything she did, and she was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Her legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will miss her dearly.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Elvira (Sanchez) Gonzalez, her spouse and life partner, Jose G. Castillo; her siblings, Arnulfo Gonzalez, Raquel Gonzalez, Lydia Gonzalez, Rosa Gonzalez, Estela Gonzalez, and Guadalupe Gonzalez; nephew, Miguel Ortega, and niece Blanca Vasquez. 

She is survived by her children, Innacio Gonzales, Pablo “Juan” Castillo, Jose Castillo Jr. (Maria), Enrique Castillo (Liliana), Margarita Castillo (Alex Aguirre), Guadalupe Castillo, Johanna Castillo, Jessica Esquivel (Crecensio), siblings, Saul Gonzalez, Pablo Gonzalez, Josefina Gonzalez, numerous grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. 

Visitation will be held on December 13, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, Texas. A Rosary will take place at 7:00 PM the same day. A Mass in her honor will be celebrated at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church on December 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes, Texas, at 11:00 AM.

Serving as pallbearers will be Enrique Castillo, Nacho Gonzalez, Lupe Castillo, Juan Castillo, Jose Castillo, Saul Gonzalez, Enrique Castillo, Juan Castillo, Brando Esquivel, Angel Castillo, Malachi Castillo, and Jose Castillo. 

Norma Diana Gonzales leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and an enduring legacy of love that will forever resonate within her family and the community she cherished.