Born and Raised?

Mary Louise Gonzales was born at home on August 25th, 1933 in Salina, Kansas. By her mother Maria and father Quirino. She was one of 16 her and her brother Karmen are only 2 of the 16 still alive today.

Quirino and Maria raised their children in a strict setting were told to not drink nor do any drugs. They were raised to be good catholic's, and to go to church regularly. They would attend mass as a family every Sunday. Maria was a stay at home mother while Quirino worked on the railroad. Mary was raised to help with her siblings, and to always set a good example for the young ones. As a teen she'd love to go with her friends to drive-ins

What was life like growing up?

First Job

Mary's first job was at the Saint John's Hospital where she cared for the sick, and delivered baby's.

Then went on to work in a Psychiatric Ward where she had many unforgettable memories.

She would go into work at 5 a.m. and would stay till around 11 p.m.

She was at home crying to her Mother because John was on a ship down at Pearl Harbor she went many weeks thinking he was dead because they could get no word out. But found out that he was still alive when she came home from work and he was sitting on her front porch a month later. He never talked to her about what had happened even years after.

where were you at on the day of Pearl Harbor.

Soulmate or Friend?

She met John Paul Gonzales in high school they had a class together but never spoke until he got gum stuck in her hair. He felt so bad that he brought her candy and flowers to her the following day, and they were friends from then on. They did date but split up after graduation because John decided to going into the marines.

Marriage

Shortly after my Grandpa John came back from Pearl Harbor. They started dating once again they dated for 2 years. and tied the knot when my Grandma was 21.

My grandma had relations with a man named Joe Direrez, who was actually suppose to purpose to her not my grandfather.