Sylvia Madariaga Gonzales of Safford peacefully passed into eternity June 4, 2019, in Tucson, with her family at her side at the age of 67. She was born Jan. 1, 1952, in Altamirano, Mexico, to Enrique Madariaga and Maria Jesus Beltran Madariaga, with siblings Miguel A., Rodimiro, Dora, Fabiola, Hector Jamie, Abel, and Alenka Madariaga.
Sylvia attended school graduating from junior high in 1966. She and her family moved to the United States, settling in Safford, where she met and married Arturo Gonzales on Aug. 22, 1975. The family was blessed with five children; Aaron, Arturo, Jr., April M., Rosaura, and Armando F. Gonzales.
She loved her family and spent her time taking care of them. She loved to play cards, sing to the Mariachi music, and go to the river and mountains, anything outdoors. Sylvia had a real good sense of humor and was a very happy person, someone who everyone loved to be around.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Aaron Gonzales, Arturo Gonzales, Jr., April M. Gonzales, Rosie Gonzales, and Armando F. Gonzales; and 10 grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Arturo Gonzales, and her mother, Maria Jesus Beltran de Madariaga.
A viewing will be held Thursday evening, June 13, at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel from 6 until 8 p.m., and again Friday morning, June 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mt. Graham Chapel, at 9 a.m., with the funeral service starting at 10 a.m. Bishop Chad Peña will be conducting. Concluding services will be in the Safford Cemetery following the funeral.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchaapel.com.