MARIA GONZALEZ RIOS Mara Gonzlez Ros passed away peacefully after a long illness at the age of 86 on Monday, August 29, 2011, at a local hospital. She was born in General Trevio, Nuevo Leon, México, on March 25, 1925, to Abelardo Gonzlez and Nicolasa Martnez. She came to reside in Nuevo Laredo when she was in her teen years. Here she would spend the next twenty years, would meet and marry Leopoldo Ros, and would raise her young family. In 1961 her family immigrated to Laredo, Texas, where she would spend the rest of her life. Mara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 36 years, Leopoldo, and her daughter-in-law, Mara Estela. She is survived by her loving children: Roberto (Hilda), José and Javier (Ninfa). She also leaves behind six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Mara is also survived by her younger sister, Mara Luisa Quintana and her family from Chicago. Mara was a devoted mother who instilled in her children a deep love for education and a strong affection for family tradition. She was also a wonderful cook who catered to her family and friends, who frequently visited her. Moreover, she was often sought out for her unconditional love, advice, and friendship. She looked forward every year to the Christmas holidays, when her children and grandchildren would visit for this joyful celebration. Among her favorite pastimes were gardening, sewing, shopping, watching TV, and socializing. Mara also enjoyed traveling and keeping up with family and friends in such cities as General Trevino, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Ciudad Mante, and Tampico, as well as Robstown, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Chicago. Deeply did we love her and deeply will we miss her. Yet we know she will always live in the hearts and minds of our family and friends. We take immense comfort in knowing that she is now with her beloved husband, Leopoldo, and in the loving arms of the Lord. May you rest in peace, Mother! Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 4 to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011 departing from the funeral home chapel. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Committal services will be held at a later date.