Tillie Gonzales

Tillie Gonzales was born to Timothy and Marta Aldama on July 24, 1924 in Madera, CA and passed away on January 9, 2023 in Cameron Park at the age of 98.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Louis Gonzales, son Louis Gonzales Jr., daughter Patricia Rios, sisters Helen Tavares, Martha Avila, Sally Rocha, Delia Aldama and brothers Philip, Abel, Angelo ,Louie and Tim Jr. Aldama. She is survived by her sister Jennie R. Aldama, sister-in-law Jennie Aldama, children Michael, Robert (Cheryl), Steven (Judy) Gonzales and Cynthia (Bob) Aldrich.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

As a young girl, her family worked in the fields of Madera.  The family would also follow the crops to northern California. In 1949, she married Louis Gonzales and together they had six children. As a homemaker she continued working in the fields during the summers until an illness in 1974.  She returned to school to receive her GED, then she became an aide at Washington Elementary School until she retired in 1992. Tillie’s life was all about family, food and nurturing children.  There were many Aldama family reunions and most included her father who lived until he was 99 years old. The events were highlighted with good food and lots of music since there were many musicians in the Aldama family.

Tillie enjoyed several hobbies.  She loved to crochet, needle point, sewing and word searches.  Tillie also enjoyed going to the casinos and Lake Tahoe was her favorite.  She kept an overnight bag packed just in case Louis said “ let’s go to Tahoe”.  She was always ready for the trip.  Her last trip to Lake Tahoe was in August 2022.

Tillie was a true matriarch of the Gonzales family, we all learned life lessons from her.  She was strong when she needed to be and loved us all unconditionally.  We all respected and adored her.  In 2010, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia.  Fortunately, her daughters were quick to provide her with the medical attention she needed.  Patricia was her full-time caregiver and took excellent care of her.  Even though her short-term memory faded from time to time her wit and humor never left.  Throughout the years, we were able to enjoy the flood of memories that she would share with us.  She never forgot and always recognized her family.
We are blessed with so many wonderful memories.
Recitation of the Rosary: 9:30 A.M. Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Joachim Catholic Church Madera, California.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Joachim Catholic Church Madera, California.
Interment: Calvary Cemetery Madera, California