Pilar Gonzalez

Pilar GonzalezDecember 5, 1981 - January 27, 2019
Pilar Gonzalez was born on December 5, 1981 to Maria Isabel Campos and Adan Campos Hernandez in Orange, CA. She lived in California with her 8 siblings, 7 brothers and 1 sister until moving to Independence, OR in 1992. As a young child Pilar loved to read and learn. Pilar always looked for a challenge in all her scholastic activities. As a youth she was always actively involved in the church even becoming a teacher assistant as young as 5th grade. She was involved in MECHA and held various school counsel positions, actively getting involved where she felt she could make a difference.
Pilar graduated from Central High School in 2000. She went on to earn her BS in Education in 2004 and ultimately earned her Masters in Teaching from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR. There Pilar continued her leadership in MECHA and also participated in the Multicultural Student Union where she shared her passion for lifting up others and creating community.
Pilar first met her husband Javier Gonzalez in high school where they met at a local dance. They danced the night away but spoke little more than their names. They did this on several occasions until he finally got the nerve to ask her out (She was attending college by then).
Pilar and Javier were married on December 6, 2003 and ultimately had 3 beautiful children. Pilar was a loving, kind and patient mother who ensured her children understood the importance of their education, love of family and above all else the love of their heavenly father, Jesus Christ.
Pilar started her teaching career in Independence, OR. at Henry Hill Elementary school as a Dual Language Kindergarten teacher. After Henry Hill was closed she began teaching in the Salem Keizer School district where she continued to build a love for learning in her Kindergarten students. She was beloved by all her students and very often was invited to their graduations, weddings, baby showers, etc. She was a student favorite to say the least. In 2018 she was nominated for a Crystal Apple Award for her dedication, creativity and overall inspirational energy as an educator.
In 2010 Pilar exemplified her love for community by becoming a foster parent unexpectedly. Upon learning of the children’s need for a home Pilar volunteered immediately, taking in all 5 children so they would not be separated. Pilar and Javier opened their home and hearts to these children until they were able to find an adoptive home, about 2 years. Pilar, with the encouragement of her sister, Erica Manzo, also became a Zumba Instructor in 2012. For anyone who knew Pilar, they knew she was shy and would often choose to let others shine and go first. She was comfortable in a classroom of children but teaching Zumba in front of 30+ adults was another thing altogether. Ultimately, her love for her sister and her community gave her the courage to take on this new adventure where she could encourage family involvement, fun and fitness. Pilar often attended Zumba classes and events with her daughter Koraima.
Pilar’s faith and love for her heavenly father led to her involvement with St. Patrick’s Church in Independence, OR. where she was a committed and active member and a Eucharistic Minister. Her powerful and unyielding love and faith shone in everything she did and never wavered during her battle with cancer. Even on her most painful days Pilar would post encouraging words, pray for others, sing and worship HIS name. When she could not lift her body she would lift her hands and when she couldn’t lift both hands she would use 1 hand to lift the other toward the heavens, reaching out for HIM and opening her heart to his love and mercy. Her beautiful and courageous faith continues to hold up those around her as they struggle with her loss.
Pilar is survived by her husband, Javier Gonzalez and their 3 children Javier (Javi) 13, Koraima (Kori) 9 and Perla (Perlita) 4. Her mother and father, Isabel and Adan Campos (Independence, OR); her 7 brothers, Edgar Campos (Angela Campos (5)) Jose Campos (Katie Campos (1)) Oscar Campos (Jennifer Campos (2)), Omar Campos (Sara Campos), Joel Campos (Jessica Campos (2)) Daniel Campos and Victor Campos and her sister Erica Manzo (Fernando Manzo (4)). She will be deeply missed by her (17) nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, aunts/uncles and in-laws both in the United States and in Mexico. Pilar was blessed with a small group of childhood friends whom she considered her “chosen sisters”.
Pilar created a ripple effect in her family and community that will live on forever. The impact she left on this world with her love of GOD, family, friends, education and community have and will continue to inspire others to live for HIM and create a better world in everything they do. Her joy for life, her patience and her smile linger on our hearts giving us hope and encouragement to move forward little by little each day. She would not want us to be sad for her because she believed she was going to her forever home and that she will see each and every one of you again someday.
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