Maria Estella Gonzales

The epitome of elegance and steadfast faith, with her family at her bedside, Maria Estella Palomo Gonzales entered Eternal rest on November 30, 2024, at the age of seventy-seven.

 On November 11, 1947, in the small community of Hondo, Texas, Felipa Samora and Juan Palomo gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom they named Maria Estella Palomo.

 Maria, best known by Estella, was united in Holy Matrimony to Gilbert Salas Gonzales on October 8, 1989, and this union was blessed with one child, Solomon.

 Although the family lived in Bartlett, Texas, Estella will be remembered by her family and friends as a devoted wife, mother, sister, and esteemed member of her community, including the grounds of Taylor and the surrounding areas. Estella is an active member of the Taylor Christian Center in Taylor, Texas, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Fernando Herrera. Her extreme hospitality and friendship were felt among the church and community. Estella was a loving, spiritual woman who feared the Lord but loved him dearly. She enjoyed her family and loved their bonding and sharing. Estella had a four-legged child, Nana, who had been around forever.

 Awaiting Estella’s arrival in Glory are her parents, and her siblings, Maria P. Oranday and Alvino Palomo. 

 Estella’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her loving husband of thirty-five years, Gilbert Gonzales; her one only son, Solomon, and his wife, Estefania; her grandchildren, Damian, Caden, and Caleb; her siblings, Olivia Paloma, Janie Hernandez, Jesse Palomo, Joe Palomo, and Pablo Palomo, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives; including the Taylor Christian Center family.

 Maria Estella’s family was the cornerstone of her life, and her nurturing spirit was felt by all who knew her. Maria’s life was profoundly influenced by her Christian faith, which guided her through her journey on this earth. She truly lived her life in service to others, and her legacy of love, faith, and joy will remain in all our hearts forever.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Taylor Christian Center, on Wednesday, December 4th from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.  She will lie in state at Taylor Christian Center on Thursday, December 5th from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Maria's Life at 6:00 PM with Pastor Fernando Herrera presiding.  A Funeral Service will be conducted at Taylor Christian Center on Friday, December 6th at 10:00 AM with Pastor Fernando Herrera presiding.  Interment will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery of Taylor.