Viola R. Gonzalez

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Viola R. Gonzalez, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and educator who passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 90.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Woman’s University in May 1957, Viola embarked on a 36-year teaching career with the Laredo Independent School District. She spent 26 of those years in Room 7 at M.S. Ryan Elementary, where she left an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues. During her teaching career, Viola earned numerous honors, among them: The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge George Washington Honor Medal, which she received in 1977 and again in 1986, and selection as a contributing author for a Social Studies textbook published by the Silver Burdett Company in 1982. Perhaps one of the most meaningful honors came on October 5, 1992, when the City Council of Laredo proclaimed the day as “Viola R. Gonzalez Day” in recognition of her 35 years of devoted service as a teacher with the Laredo Independent School District. Viola retired in May 1994, closing the book on a truly distinguished teaching career.

While her passion for education and teaching was a big part of her life, her greatest joy was found in the roles she cherished most: loving wife, nurturing mother, and proud grandmother. She also delighted in life’s simple pleasures, including spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, listening to her favorite artists such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Julio Iglesias, attending dances, and playing bunco with her late husband and their close circle of friends, where laughter and companionship always filled the room.

Born to the late Miguel Angel and Maria E. “Petita” Rodriguez on June 16, 1935, Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Heberto Gonzalez, with whom she shared a lifetime of love until his passing in 2004; her brothers, Jesus (Ninfa) Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, and Roberto “Bobby” Rodriguez; her sisters, Juanita (David) Seitz and Rosa (Eduardo) Perez; and nephews David J. Seitz and Miguel Angel Perez.

Her spirit continues in the hearts of her four sons: Heberto (Norma) Gonzalez, Jr., Edgardo (Maria) Gonzalez, Ricardo (Raquel) Gonzalez, and Xavier (Triana) Gonzalez; five treasured grandchildren: Edgar Anthony Gonzalez, Andrew Daniel Gonzalez, John Michael Gonzalez, Amberly Lauren Gonzalez, and Kailey Addisyn Gonzalez; beloved nieces and nephews: Janie De La Garza (Armando Chapa), Sandra Cantu (Mark Server), Jean (Reynaldo) Gutierrez, Eddie Perez, and Diana Perez; David Martinez (Roberto Rodriguez); along with extended family and many dear friends. Her legacy of love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion leaves an enduring mark in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff of La Frontera Nursing and Rehab for their exceptional care and heartfelt compassion during Viola’s final days.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are her sons Heberto Gonzalez, Jr. and Xavier Gonzalez, along with her dearly loved grandchildren Edgar Anthony Gonzalez, Andrew Daniel Gonzalez, John Michael Gonzalez, Amberly Lauren Gonzalez, and Kailey Addisyn Gonzalez.

The family invites all who loved her to join in honoring her memory.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Viola’s legacy lives on in every life she touched and every lesson she shared. Her spirit of love and dedication will guide us always.