Gonzala Nevarez Esparza

Age 95 of Coal City, Illinois, died Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Morris Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 10, 1927 in Monolith, California, Gonzala was a daughter of Jorge and Nicasia (Arambula) Nevarez. She was raised in Mexico and married Vicente Esparza on June 21, 1947. Together, they would move to Coal City, Illinois in 1956 where they would raise their family. Gonzala was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and devoted her life to raising her family. She was a wonderful homemaker who’s passion was sharing her love of cooking with anyone who sat at her table. Gonzala also enjoyed flower gardening and hand crafts such as crochet, knitting, and sewing. She was a caring woman who often put others’ needs before her. Gonzala absolutely loved children and babies, and her grandchildren were precious to her.

Survivors include her eight children: Tony (Laurie) Esparza of Coal City, Manuel (Debbie) Esparza of Braidwood, Illinois, Al (Maria) Esparza of Coal City, Armondo (Denise) Esparza of Carbon Hill, Illinois, Angie Mann of Seneca, Illinois, Art Esparza of Coal City, Louie (Susan) Esparza of Gardner, Illinois, and Lil Esparza (John Grimes) of Wilmington, Illinois; 27 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three siblings: Julio (Lupe) Herrera of Coal City, Catarino (Elena) Herrera of Coal City, and Mina (Santiago) Palacios of Calumet City, Illinois; as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, countless nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend, Helen Salazar.

Gonzala was preceded in death by her husband, Vicente Esparza on April 4, 1998; one daughter in infancy, Engracia Esparza, nine brothers and sisters: Jose Leon Nevarez, Jesus Nevarez, Francisco Herrera, Paulino Herrera, Juan Herrera, Rito Nevarez, Teresa Herrera, Andrea Herrera, Angelita Nevarez; and dear family friend, Nellie Veronda.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City from on Monday, July 11, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Joshua Miller presiding and Deacon William Dunn assisting. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials in Gonzala’s memory may be made as gifts to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Gonzala’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815-634-2125) www.ReevesFuneral.com