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April 22, 1934 December 28, 2024
April 22, 1934 -- December 28, 2024

Mary Helen Gonzales

Mary Helen Gonzales, 90, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on December 28, 2024. Born in Dallas, Texas on April 22, 1934 in Dallas, Texas to Josephine and Juan Prudencio Rodriguez, both of whom proceed her in death, Mary Helen was the eldest of five children. She grew up in Dallas’ Little Mexico Village where she met the love of her life, Abel Gonzales. They would marry September 16, 1951 and go on to  raise their five children in East Dallas.

 
Not only was Mary Helen a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was a powerful community activist. A proud American, Mary Helen not only flew the flag but she used her civic voice to help bring about societal change.  She protested for civil rights and against injustice. She often volunteered with the Dallas County Democrats, and served as an election poll worker for more than 30 years. 
 
Teaching and caring for children was also extremely important to Mary Helen. In her East Dallas community, she served as both as Boy Scout and Girl Scout pack leader for decades. She was later awarded one of The Boy Scouts of America’s highest civilian honors, the Silver Beaver. Mary Helen also worked to help underprivileged children through the DISD BRL Reading Room, the local Save the Children chapter, and later as a Headstart teacher. 
 
Mary Helen was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She lived attending the temple, reading the scriptures, and serving with the children. 

 

Mary Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Abel Gonzales, Sr., and her brothers, Sam Rodriguez and Johnnie Rodriguez. Mary Helen is survived by her siblings, Eliseo Rodriguez (Rosie) and Alma “Precious” (Mauricio) Ramirez; her children - Elizabeth Maldonado, Rudy Gonzales (Jean Ann), Abel Gonzales, Jr. (Gloria), Patty Ramirez (Rudy), and Edmond Gonzales; her grandchildren - Thomas “Bart”Maldonado (Farrah), Adrienne Maldonado, Bruce Gonzales, Callahan “Cali” Gonzales, Anthony Longoria, Mark Longoria, Joseph Rodriguez, Patricia Rodriguez, Samantha Gonzales, and Isabella Gonzales; her ten great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. 

 
 
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Condolences

Charlotte Rhett January 02, 2025

Friend of Adrienne Lexington , South Carolina

Thinking of you and your family during this time.

Pamela Kindle January 03, 2025

Friend Mesquite , Texas

My prayers are with Ms. Mary Helen's family and friends. God is with you all and she is at peace and away from the issue and pains of this World, but she is close always to you in Spirit. May God love comfort you all in this time for great sorrow.