Eva Gonzalez Polanco

Eva Polanco, 86, was born in Selma, CA on May 20, 1936, to Reynaldo and Manuela Gonzalez. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, January 23, 2023, in Fresno, CA.

Eva was passionate about her family and friends; her hugs were big and strong and conveyed her love. Along with her four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her nephews and nieces were so loved and a big part of her life. Eva considered her friends her family, and they treated her like a part of their families. She loved huge gatherings, mariachi music, always singing along and throwing out a “grito” when the music moved her. Eva loved to dance, was light on her feet and could dance to any beat! She loved the special vacations she took to Europe, to Mexico, cruising to Alaska, sun bathing in Hawaii, and RVing the mountain ranges throughout the western United States, with family and to visit with friends. Camping in the Sierra Mountains with her sisters and brothers-in-law and their children were another passion that included fishing adventures, fireside stories, and the most delicious meals. She loved the saying, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” No truer words could describe Eva’s love of the mountains. Those special moments were always topic of conversation for her. She loved her memories in pictures; they brought her so much joy.

The loss of a family’s matriarch is indescribably heart wrenching but Eva lived her life the way she wanted, to the fullest, and she will leave a footprint in our hearts forever.

Eva is preceded in death by her parents, Reynaldo and Manuela Gonzalez, her beautiful daughter, Lynette Jill Polanco, her brothers Gilbert Gonzalez, Alfonso Gonzalez, and Reynaldo Gonzalez, Jr., and sisters, Hortencia Valdivia and Elida Medellin.

Eva’s memory will be cherished by her son, Tony Polanco, and daughters and their husbands, Annette and Tom Grieser, and Debbie and Gary Martinez, and her brother, Mario Gonzalez. Eva is known as “Nana” to seven grandchildren that will hold her memory close, including David and Leanne Polanco, Michelle and Hector Martinez, Gabrielle Grieser and Zachary Grieser, Michael Martinez, Nicholas Martinez and Brandon Martinez. Her four great grandchildren will know of her love as her traditions will continue in Brayden Polanco and Maddox Polanco, and Vicente Martinez and Victoria Martinez. Recent news filled Eva’s heart when she learned she had another great grandchild on the way. And the family continues.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be at Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera, CA on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 6:30pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:00a.m., at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 401 W. 5th Street, Madera, CA, followed by Interment at Calvary Cemetery, 28447 Avenue 14, Madera, CA.