On Friday, December 17, 2021, Maria Menchaca Gonzalez, loving mother of one child and grandmother to four grandchildren, passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with COVID-19. Maria Encarnacion Menchaca was born on March 25, 1944 in Taft, TX to Marcelino and Concepcion Menchaca. They and her two siblings would eventually moved to Corpus Christi in 1948 where she graduated W.B. Ray High School in 1963 and also attended Del Mar College from 1969 to 1972. On December 29, 1966 she married Henry E. Gonzalez. On December 5, 1973 she divorced her husband of eight years, and in 1974 she gave birth to her only child Benjamin.
Maria's passions were raising her son, her faith in God, and politics. As a single mother she was determined to raise her son in a better environment and succeeded by enrolling him in Faith Christian Academy and moving to a prosperous part of town. She was an inspiration to many women by being the example of strength, independence, and fortitude. She took on many male-dominated jobs and excelled at them which showed her strong independent character. Maria was also very giving with her time and money. Whenever there was a need within her friends and family, she was the first in line to give support. Maria spent many days of the week attending church. Her unwavering love and faith in God helped her through many difficult times. Not only did Maria help those closest to her, but she helped her community as well. She became precinct chairman and strived to improve her community. She will be loved and missed not only by her family, but also by many of those she touched throughout her life.
Maria was preceded in death by her father, Marcelino Menchaca, her mother, Concepcion Menchaca, and her brother, Marcelino Menchaca Jr.
She is survived by her sister, Carolina M. Franco, her son, Benjamin Gonzalez, her granddaughters, Elizabeth Salata, Jessica G. Gonzalez, Analysia K. Gonzalez, and Alexys I. Gonzalez.
A Celebration of Life will held at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel, 4357 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Those unable to attend can view the service on live stream.
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