Minerva J. Gamez

Minerva J. Gamez, 85, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 10:45 am on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her residence.  She was born on September 20, 1933 in Laredo, Texas to Benito and Jesusa (Johnson) Juarez.  She married Manuel Gamez on August 23, 1959 in Laredo.  He passed away in January, 1994.

Surviving are her daughter Maricela Garza of Peoria; son Manuel Gamez of Germantown Hills; goddaughter Kristina Gamez; godson Mike Johnson of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Jessica Garza, David Garza, Tiana Rempala, Nathan Gamez, Ben Garza, and James Gamez; great-grandchildren Hailey R. Rempala, Elias D. Garza, and Lincoln J. Garza; brother Amaedeo (Rafaela) Juarez of Laredo, TX; and six nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Graciela Alaniz.

She started in her youth as a bridal dress model which later encouraged her to make bridal dresses and become a seamstress. She was also very proud of being a Shaklee Distributor in educating and encouraging healthy environmental choices. She enjoyed cooking and hosting parties for family and friends. She was a member of the Peoria Chapter Sewing Guild and Quilters Club. She was a member of the Mothers Club at St. Bernard's Parish making blankets for preemies and infants in the hospitals. She never forgot anyone's birthday and always went out of her way to make it special. Her legacy that she wanted to leave behind was that she would be thought of as someone who loved to give and show that they were special to her and that it is more important to give than to receive and to show others value. She was dearly devoted to her family, loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids so much. She was happy and fun loving and will be missed dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Resurrection Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria, IL with Monsignor Steven Rolphs officiating.  Following the service a gathering will be held at 1:00 pm at Germantown Grille, 505 Ten Mile Creek Road in Germantown Hills with food provided.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Unity Point Health-Hospice, 221 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61636.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.