Tributes

Noemi “Mimi” Irene Gonzales passed away on July 17, 2023 at her home in San Antonio, Texas. Mimi was born April 10, 1952 in Laredo, Texas to Luis Salazar and Irene Herrera Salazar. She attended United High School in Laredo and graduated in 1970. She pursued nursing studies at Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas and earned her R.N. certification with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1974. In her final year at TWU, Mimi worked in Houston at Methodist Hospital. She met her future husband, Bert, while Christmas caroling to patients at Methodist. Mimi and Bert lived in Houston from 1974 to 1978 before moving to San Antonio where Mimi continued her nursing career at Methodist Hospital. Later, she transitioned to a private practice where she dedicated many years assisting Dr. James Speitz, a local San Antonio ophthalmologist. In 1997, Mimi became the first school nurse at Myers Elementary School. She chose school nursing because she wanted to finish her day at 3:30 and be home for her children as they grew. After 20 years of devoted school nursing at Myers, Mimi retired in June 2018. Throughout her nursing career, Mimi cherished the memories of her time as a floor nurse, working in the ICU, and especially her years scrubbing in and assisting in the operating room. During retirement, Mimi traveled to Ireland, Scotland, France, Mexico, and last fall she and Bert took a cruise to Iceland and the Northern European and Scandinavian countries. Mimi fulfilled lifelong dreams by witnessing the aurora borealis in Iceland and marveling the statue of the Little Mermaid and the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mimi also enjoyed traveling locally and around the country. Mimi and Bert maintained a tradition of celebrating New Year’s in New York followed by a trip to Disney World in Florida. Over the years, Mimi explored many famous historical sites across the country, always accompanied by Bert and often with all 3 kids in tow. Mimi was preceded in death by her parents; and her grandmother, Elvira “Mama” Herrera. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Norbert Gonzales, Jr.; son, Jared Paul Gonzales; daughters, Taryn Irene Paccione and Alyx Irene Gonzales; sisters, Velma Edwards and Melinda Pyburn (Steve); brothers, Jerry Salazar (Margie), Saul “Sy” Salazar (Virginia), Luis Salazar, Jr.; grandchild, Maxim Paccione; and nieces & nephews. A Celebration of Mimi’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 12:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, with Rev. Mike Carlson presenting. Reception to follow at Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant (18403 I-10 West, SATX 78257) at 1:45. For personal acknowledgement, please sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the Tributes section. MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPELS NORTH 3401 CHERRY RIDGE DR. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78230 (210) 349-1414

Tributes

Noemi "Mimi" Irene Gonzales

April 10, 1952 - July 17, 2023