Gonzala C. Willman

Gonzala "Chala" Willman, 92, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Saturday, July 18, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. Visitation: Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 3 to 7 pm at Amalla Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Gonzala was born January 10, 1928, in Harlingen, Texas to Benigno and Clemencia Cabrera. She was the oldest of six, four sisters and one brother. She graduated from Harlingen High and soon after married the love of her life, Eugenio R. Willman in 1946. In 1952, after living in Corpus Christi for several years, they moved to Fort Worth where her husband took a job at the Fort Worth Star Telegram as a stereotype. Together they had seven children and were married 25 years when Eugenio died in 1972. Gonzala was active in the PTA for over 25 years and served as PTA president at Hubbard Heights Elementary 1973-74. She represented the FWISD at various state level PTA meetings in Austin and in 1974 was awarded an honorary life membership for her distinguished service to children and youth. Gonzala was a homemaker for 37 years before going to work in 1984 at various restaurants. Her most loved position was dining room hostess at the neighborhood Wendy's. She was employed there for 19 years, making many friends along the way and earning many awards for her dedication to the job. She retired at the age of 76. Gonzala never met a stranger. Opening her home and kitchen to numerous friends and family, she always was ready to provide a home cooked meal or a longer stay. Many have great memories of happy times around her table and in her home. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of her life. Mother to 7, grandmother to 10 and great grandmother to 12, soon to be 13. She raised her three youngest as a single parent after her husband died at 47 and never remarried. Gonzala was the epitome of strength, kindness and compassion with a beautiful heart. She enjoyed trips to Walmart and Target with her best friend Josie. She loved Coco, her chihuahua, and loyal companion for many years. Gonzala was preceded in death by her husband, Eugenio R. Willman; her son, John Andrew; her parents, Benigno Cabrera and Clemencia Lopez Cabrera; two sisters, Leonila Cabrera and Dora Zamarron; her brother, Benigno Cabrera, Jr.; and one grandson, Ernest Perez. Gonzala is survived by six children, Sylvia Martinez (Gregorio), Yolanda Perez, Eugene Willman, Jr., Andres Willman, Teresa Griffin (Roger) and Marcelina Willman; two sisters, Inez Cabrera and Delia Cook. She was affectionately known as Popo to 9 surviving grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Andres, Gonzala's youngest son, for always being there and taking care of her. Thank you to Vitas Hospice staff who cared for her with the utmost dignity and respect in her last days.

Tributes

Gonzala C. Willman

January 10, 1928 - July 18, 2020