Obituary of Theresa Monica (Martinez) Gonzales

Theresa Monica (Martinez) Gonzales, 80, was born on August 19, 1942, and passed away on March 14, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, joining her husband and daughter in heaven.  Born to Eustacio and Anafra (Linarez) Martinez in Denver, Colorado, she was raised in an orphanage until reaching adulthood, when she moved to the Yakima Valley and married her husband of nearly 53 years, Simon Gonzales.

Theresa and Simon made their home in Toppenish, Washington, raised a family of five, two sons and three daughters, and supported them throughout their school year activities.  She worked in agriculture, spending many years at Del Monte canning in Toppenish before retiring.  The Gonzales and Martinez families were especially close and held family gatherings or visits to catch up, which were the highlight of each year.  Theresa was a faithful member of the Fairview Seventh-day Adventist Church before moving to Olympia where she attended Olympia Transformation Life Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Simon; her dear daughter, Carmen; brothers, Paul, Gilbert and Gerald; sisters, Delores, Josie, Shirley and Jenny; and grandson, Doug Eckhardt.

Theresa is survived by her brother, Tony Martinez; her four children, Phillip (Karen) of Chandler, Arizona, Paul of Seattle, Elizabeth (Ayman) Mohamed of Terrace Heights, Mary Ann (Paul) Campos of Olympia; and son-in-law, Keith Swanson of Twisp. She is also survived by grandchildren, Steve Eckhardt; Marcus Gonzales and Jessica Gonzales; Charles (Holly) Gonzales and Mason Gonzales; Cassandra, Alejandro and Nicolas Campos; Thomas and Adam Swanson; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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