Olivia Gonzales

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Olivia “Libby” Gonzales

July 23, 1946 – December 9, 2025

Olivia “Libby” Gonzales was truly one of a kind. With her passing, we lost not only a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but also a cherished piece of history. Olivia left this world unexpectedly yet peacefully on December 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 23, 1946, in Taos, New Mexico, Olivia was the beloved daughter of Fred and Cory Romero and the middle sister among six siblings: Faby Vigil (Donald), Margie Saul, Billy Sr. Romero, Albert Romero, Lorraine Romero Abeyta (Swede Mattfeldt), and Berna Cohn (Gilbert).

Raised in Taos, Olivia ventured to California in her twenties with her sister Lorraine and cousin Fem Cisneros, where she worked at Max Factor. It was there that fate brought her together with Arturo Gonzales, the love of her life. Though both had grown up in Taos, their paths crossed in California, and together they began a lifelong journey. Upon returning to Taos, Olivia worked at Wackers/Winns and later Big O Tires, where her kindness, generosity, and warmth touched countless lives.

Olivia and Arturo raised two daughters, Michelle Gonzales and Janis Gonzalez (Joe Gonzalez). While Arturo loved the farm life outdoors, Olivia preferred the comfort of home, so the cows came to her. She delighted in collecting cow figurines and gifts, filling her home with a collection that reflected her playful spirit.

Her hobbies included painting, embroidering, reading, and later, playing games and puzzles on her kindle. Arturo lovingly crafted wooden frames for her artwork, making their shared creativity a treasured bond.

Family was Olivia’s greatest joy. She adored her grandchildren, Jazlyn Gonzalez Montoya (Eric Montoya) and Jared Gonzales. She played a vital role in helping raise her great-granddaughter, Adelyda Montoya, and cherished traveling with Jared to places like New York, Hawaii, Ireland and London and Tennessee where Jared resides. Olivia eagerly awaited the arrival of her second great-grandson, Azriel Arturo Montoya, whose name carries forward her husband’s legacy. She also held a special closeness with Billy Romero (Teresa) and his family. Billy was like the son she never had, always by her side along with his children and grandkids.

Olivia was a devoted caregiver to Arturo, ensuring he was always well cared for. Her strength and determination were unwavering, driven by her deep love for him. When Arturo passed on September 8, 2025, Olivia followed just three months later, joining him once more to continue watching over him.

She will forever be remembered for her resilience, her boundless love, and her open arms that welcomed everyone around her. Olivia’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church, a meal will follow in her honor at St. Joseph's Hall.  

The family of Olivia “Libby” Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com