Friends, colleagues remember Margaret Gonzales

Margaret Louise Gonzales, a beloved mother, grandmother, dedicated public servant, and longtime University of New Mexico employee, died suddenly on June 23, 2024, in Albuquerque.

Gonzales was born in Santa Fe and grew up in Albuquerque's South Valley.

She was a woman of great accomplishments, earning a master's in Public Administration at The University of New Mexico. For 25 years, she dedicated her career to UNM, making significant impacts on the lives of many she worked with in the Department of Graduate Studies and the Project New Mexico Graduates of Color Organization. In 2019, she was nominated for the Gerald May award.

Gonzales touched the lives of countless young scholars at UNM, providing them with guidance and support in various areas, including work-study opportunities and postgraduate work.

Her love and devotion extended beyond her professional life. She cherished her role as a mother to her daughters, LaVelle Jones and Tanya Gonzales, and her heart overflowed as she spent time with her precious grandchildren, Audriana and Lincoln Jones.

Known for her loving and nurturing nature, Gonzales's impact on the lives of others was immeasurable. She was always there for her family and friends.

While everyone will deeply miss her, Gonzales's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and those whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by brothers, Eric and Peter Martinez. She is survived by her mother, Pat Martinez, brother Leonard Martinez, Aunt Carol Jarrell, daughters Tanya Gonzales and LaVelle Jones, and grandkids Audriana and Lincoln Jones

A reception to honor the life of Margaret Gonzales will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Strong-Thorne Life Event Center (1100 Coal Ave. SE) in Albuquerque.

Maria Lane, Dean of Graduate Studies:

"I learned a lot from Margaret in a short time. She was simply great at her job - thanks to her incredible organizational skills and amazing time management - but her biggest workplace impact was in her relationships. She made it her business to take care of people, all the time, whatever the situation. She didn't shy away from a difficult conversation (and she could be pretty sassy when rendering an opinion!), but everyone knew she cared deeply about their well-being. Margaret inspired me with her honesty, thoughtfulness, and flexibility. She was a true force of nature, and I really miss seeing her every day."