Priscilla A. Gonzales

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of our loving, compassionate, strong, fearless, and unimaginably generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Priscilla Gonzales. Born in Peralta, New Mexico in 1941, to Santiago and Francis Aragon, Priscilla was called to heaven on March 22, 2023, at age 82. Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Antonio Aragon, and her sister Louisa Milligan. Priscilla is survived and missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Paul Gonzales Sr., sister-in-law Criselda Saavedra, brother-in-law Clyde Milligan, sister-in-law Josie Gonzales (Cano), children Anna Valdez, John Valdez (Kelley), Rebecca Jewett (Mike), Richard Valdez, Greg Valdez, Eva Multine (Hansen), Paul Gonzales Jr., Lisa Gambill (Dan), Troy Gonzales (Carla), and Adrian Gonzales; twenty grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

        Priscilla was born one precious Valentine’s Day, when her sister, Louisa, came home with all her Valentine’s Cards to show her mom, only to find her new sister being born. Priscilla’s mother passed away when she was only 2 years old, so she was raised by her father and maternal grandmother, as well as her brother and sister, who were 10 and 9 years older than her, respectively. She graduated from Albuquerque High and married her first husband, the late Johnny Valdez, who was in the Navy. The family moved back and forth to different states and Guam for military relocation, giving birth to 5 children before relocating back to Albuquerque. Priscilla met her husband, Paul Gonzales Sr., a single father of 4, while out dancing. They married in 1980, blending their two families. Three years later, they had their last child together, completing the set of 10.

      Priscilla and Paul loved to travel in their RV and other types of transportation.  They visited many places, including the Panama Canal, Washington, DC, and several other places, along with many trips to Las Vegas. Priscilla was a working mother, working in banking and retail before running the Kirtland Air Force Base golf course grill and working at the NCO, Officer’s Club, Laser Lounge, and daycare until she retired from the Federal government. After her retirement, she was known for enjoying a wonderful nap after “linner” (lunch and dinner) when the World News came on.  Priscilla was a breast cancer survivor and lived her life to the fullest! She loved going to the tea room, having her family around, making and eating desserts, and making the best roast ever for her children and grandchildren!  She lived her life devoted to family and service through her Catholic faith and church. Her memory lives on through her abundant community of family and friends.