Maria passed away on June 21, 2021 in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico. She was born on August 2, 1943 to Matilde Gomez and Angela Toro in the small community of El Membrillito, Jalisco. Shortly thereafter, her father decided to move the family to Union de Tula, Jalisco.
Maria married Emilio Villasenor Gradilla on November 27, 1964. She immigrated to the United States in 1968. At first the family moved often, working in various types of farm labor but eventually settled in Colusa County. When she moved to Colusa, she met numerous people who would become close friends and with whom she maintained a strong bond throughout her life. She was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was well known for using her tamale making skills to support the annual Pheasant Festival (Bazaar) and other church/school fundraisers. Her strong faith was evident in her vast collection of prayer books, candles, and religious memorabilia throughout her home. She was affectionately known as ” Mam” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking especially for her children and grandchildren. It was well known that she would make each persons favorite dish for their birthday dinner. She shared another of her talents with family and friends, knitting baby blankets or tablecloths to mark a new beginning. She looked forward to going grocery shopping and to yard sales on the weekends with her comadre.
Maria was the 7th of 10 children. She is preceded in death by her father Matilde Gomez, mother Angela Toro, siblings Isaac Gomez, Manuela Gomez (Olivares), Alonso Gomez and Margarita Gomez (Medina). She is survived by her 4 children, Miguel (Rosa), Maribel (Francisco), Alma Rosa (Noe), Sergio (Sandra), 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, July 1, from 4-7p.m. followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at McNary-Moore Funeral Home, 107 5th St. Colusa. Mass will be celebrated on Friday July 2, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 345 Oak St. Colusa, followed by interment at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 1741 Wescott Rd., Colusa.
07/01/2021 ¢ WPR #2021-0793