Mary Lou Gonzalez, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg with her family by her side.
Mary Lou was born April 27, 1940, in Galesburg, the daughter of Eulalio A. and Guadalupe (Perez) Ramirez. She was reared and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Corpus Christi High School in 1958. Mary Lou was united in marriage to Richard Gonzalez on April 20, 1968 in Moline, Illinois. She worked at Seymour Library at Knox College in Galesburg for 47 years retiring in 2006.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 55 years, Richard of Galesburg; one son, Richard “Ricky” A. Gonzalez, Jr., of Galesburg; and one sister, Jane (Genaro) Ramirez-Reyes of Moline, Illinois. Along with her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by 8 brothers and 3 sisters.
Mary Lou was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Ladies of Mary. She enjoyed entertaining and cooking Mexican food for her friends. Mary Lou loved to have a good time. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with the rosary being prayed at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Father Nathan Hopper will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
