OUR DEARLY BELOVED AUNT, Maria Josefita Gonzales (known as Josefita or Fita), joined our Heavenly Father on Monday, January 12, 2026. She passed peacefully in her sleep. Born March 19, 1932 in Black Lake, NM she was preceded in death by her father, Cipriano Gonzales, mother, Pablita Cordova, four brothers, Fernando, Pedro, Manuel and Pablo and four sisters Senaida, Rosanna, Jesucita and Isabella.
Our Aunt Fita had 19 nieces and nephews. Four of whom had also preceded her in death, Marie, Beatrice LeRoy and Diana. The surviving are Teresa and Rita, residing in NM, Marta and Fernando Jr. in Colorado, Anna in California, Rosella, Ernest Lee, Paul, Juanita, and Rosanna residing in Texas, Beverly, Patrick, Victoria, Manuel and Patricia in Wyoming.
Our Aunt Fita was self-proclaimed as being "spoiled" and "had it good growing up", as she was the youngest of nine children. They lived on a small ranch in Mora, NM with no running water until the mid-50s raising a few farm animals. She used to share humorous stories about the animals and even venturing to the outside commode late at night.
Our Aunt Fita completed high school with diploma and other secretarial training. She also attended nursing school for a while, but decided not to pursue a nursing career. She worked for the State of New Mexico, Department of Health – Social Services based in Las Vegas, NM and retired after 34 years in 1993.
Her nieces remember Aunt Fita as "She loved her friends and her community. She volunteered at an English as a second language school and enjoyed exercise class the NMHU gym."
"Our Aunt Fita was a stable and reliable presence in our childhood and as we grew into adulthood. She was a role model of independence and femininity for her nieces. She worked in the real world and always looked neat with a nice sense of style. Fita always greeted us with a warm smile and hugs. In her later years, after retirement, she also shared her reminiscence of her formative years in Mora and her recollection of things her siblings would say that made her chuckle. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She had the gift of aging gracefully and her faith was always a source of her strength."
"She greeted visitors with a sweet smile. She was happy to share her memories and ask about other loved family members."
Services for our Aunt Fita will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Open casket viewing will begin at 8:30am, Rosary at 9:30am and funeral mass at 10:00am at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Mora, New Mexico. Interment will follow at Cleveland Community Cemetery in Cleveland, NM. Family pall bearers will be Gregory Betty and Steven Berezin.
In lieu of flowers, our Aunt Fita requested donations to Make a Wish Foundation. She also supported Catholic Charities and The City of Las Vegas Senior Program.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. 505-425-3511.
Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

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