Celia C. Guzman

Celia C. Gonzalez, 91, born in Edinburg, Texas April 6, 1926 went home to be with our heavenly Father on April 27, 2017 in Walla Walla, Washington.

Celia married A. L. Gonzalez in in 1942 and began her family. In 1951 they began their migrant journey towards Walla Walla with their two children Rosita and Ausencio. Celia enjoyed their travels as migrant workers and found joy in having their children and all of their belongings in their vehicle. She felt she had all she loved everywhere she went. After making Walla Walla their home Celia had many talents and worked in a variety of occupations.

Celia and Al had a natural gift for business development and became pioneers for our Hispanic community within the business industry. Through their vision they entered the business world and acquired a variety of businesses throughout Walla Walla and Oregon. Of the many businesses they owned the one that Celia was most proud of and recognized for was ABC Taco. They were known as the “Tac-O-the Town” which became their slogan. Celia was very generous with her success and shared it with our community in heart and spirit. Soon after, ABC Taxi was born and continues to be a vibrant business now operated by her son Ausencio (JR) and grandson Eric Gonzalez. After many years of being in the business world, Celia handed her restaurant business over to her daughter Rosita which now carries her signature name and is operated by Celia’s grandchildren Raquel Pimentel and Alex Cavazos.

Celia then entered the retirement world however felt she still had much to offer our community. She was still full of life and full of energy so she decided to enjoy her retirement by working. Celia always had a passion for loving people and families and choose to enter the world of social work by working for the Washington State Human Development organization. However, this was not enough, so she became a volunteer with several local agencies. It was thorough her volunteerism work that in 1989 Celia was named Walla Walla Volunteer of the Year for her commitment to social work and volunteerism she contributed her entire life. Most recently, she shared how much she enjoyed volunteering at the Senior Center as well as being a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Church.
Celia enjoyed cooking and always made sure everyone was fed. Celia had a soft spot in her heart for all people and touched many hearts. Through her touch, many of us will always have her in our hearts. She was loved, admired and respected by many as a mother, grandmother, sister and lifetime friend to many. Celia always enjoyed holding her grandchildren and watching them grow into amazing leaders. The following is a message left for us to share. These are her words:
“I love my family and enjoy my friends. My son and my daughter have been my greatest gifts. I have not been a model mother. Please forgive me if I have offended anyone with any word or action. I go to church to ask God to be a good person and to help me love daily. I ask God to unite all my family and to keep them in good health. In my years of life I remember only the good and happy times, trips and parties with friends”.
As you can see, Celia was a very humble woman and was always yearning to be a better person full of love and peace. Our family could not ask for a better mother/grandmother to plant the seeds of forgiveness, peace and love in each of us. It is up to us to sow good fruit and enjoy life to the fullest. Celia left many words for us to live by and we know her prayer for each and every one of us to have a happy home and love one another. Her presence, wisdom and smile will be missed but will always remain in our hearts.

Celia is survived by her son Ausencio Gonzalez Jr., Brother’s Lucio Coronado and Luis Coronado. Sister’s Micaela Palomarez and Tomasa Coronado, seven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Celia loved and appreciated her brothers and sister’s spouses and families and had a special place in her heart for them. She is proceeded in death by husband Ausencio (AL) Gonzalez, daughter Rosita Gonzalez-Berrones, and much later second husband Julian Guzman.
Our Angel has left us here on earth but we find comfort knowing she is with her family in heaven.

The recitation of the Rosary will held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6:00PM in the chapel of the Herring Funeral Home with Deacon Olegario and Dora Reyes, officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10:00AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Kyle Ratuiste, celebrating. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery of Walla Walla.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362
Family and Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com