Maria De La Luz Gaona

In Loving Memory Of
Maria De La Luz Gaona
August 31, 1945 - July 5, 2016
Maria began her life's journey on August 31st, 1945 in the town of Monterrey Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She was born to Maria Luisa Gaona and Ramiro Gaona, she married Panfilo Lara on September 9, 1959 in Reynosa Tamaulipas, Mexico and had five children: Jorge Lara (Attorney), Juan Lara (US Army Medical Corp Retired, Materials Manager, Providence Hospitals), Mario Lara (Oregon Department of Forestry), Rosa Hernandez (Medical Translator) and Jose Lara (Federal Officer and US Army). Her legacy also includes eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Maria and her family made the Willamette Valley their permanent home in 1971 where she worked as a laborer and for Willamette Cherry Growers in Salem. Her most memorable work however, was not just raising her children but also helped raise her grandchildren and many other children as a babysitter and nanny.
On the evening of July 5th, 2016 at 9:13 pm, Maria concluded her journey on this earth, with the presence of her children at her side.
"Mom, we know you are up there not only with Grandma Licha, Grandpa Ramiro and my beautiful Tia Yolanda, but also with your baby which you lost over 50 years ago. We love you and we will miss you."
A funeral service was held Friday, July 15, 2016, 1 pm at Farnstrom Mortuary. Memories and condolences may be shared at FarnstromMortuary.com.