It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of 74 year old Maria Elena Gonzalez Pando on May 13, 2024. She was born August 15, 1949 in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico to Concepción Pando Evaro and Matias Gonzalez Baca.

"Mari" had the kindest heart and soul, she was the type of person that would give and do anything for others. She loved her daughters, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. She devoted her life for others, she had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing, her laugh and playfulness will be missed. Mari taught us to be humble, kind and always love one another. She kept her family together. Her time on this earth was a gift to us all. We are blessed and thankful with God that we all had the privilege to have her and be loved by her. Your spirit lives on . . .in our memories. Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every step of the way. Your presence will be forever missed and your memory treasured.

Those left to carry on her memory include her three daughters Carla Garcia and her husband Antonio Garcia, Areli and Mateo Gonzalez and Cesiah McCulloch. Her grandchildren Kayla, Naveah, Alex, Itzel, Gael, Xavier, Avery, Esteban, Emery and Angelina. She also leaves two brothers and five sisters, Olivia, Yolanda, Irma, Norma, Lorenzo, Leopoldo and Linda Gonzalez Pando.

She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse Antonio Hernandez and brother Raul Gonzalez Pando.

A celebration of life will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapel 300 E. Boutz Road. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Services will start at 10:00 AM. Viewing available until 1:00 PM. At Maria's Request cremation will follow and inurnment will be at a later date.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com