Ercilia "Nancy" Gonzales

Ercilia “Nancy” Gonzales, age 87, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, with her loving family at her side in her home. She was born on September 20, 1936, in San Pablo, CO to the late Lucas and Agapeta “Mary” Serna. 

Nancy, as she was known, was a woman that never stopped. Nancy moved to Albuquerque, NM to pursue a career in nursing. It was there that she met and married her first husband of 25 years, Nataniel “Candy” Candelaria a medic in the United States Air Force.  Though this relationship was not permanent, they both maintained their friendship and eventually went on to remarry. Together they were blessed with 4 children; Arlene B. married to J. Joe Martinez of Las Cruces, NM; Leslie Candelaria and Jan Kozlowski of Albuquerque, NM; Cynthia V. Cunningham married to Neal of Durango, CO; Dale T. Candelaria married to Yvonne of Albuquerque, NM. 

Nancy met her second husband Steve Gonzales in 1978. Steve loved all her children and became a positive role model. Together they created and managed several entrepreneurial enterprises successfully, all while working full time at G.E. 

Nancy is also survived by her sisters Ida Ortega of San Luis, CO; Pat Rivera and Rebecca Bell of Denver, CO; and brother Amos Serna of Colorado Springs, CO. Also surviving her loss are 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren along with her compadre Arthur Montano, many nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to mention. 

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by both of her husband’s Candy and Steve; brothers, Herbert Serna, Ernest Serna, Oliver Serna, Lucas Serna, Jr.; Nephews, Douglas and Dante Serna; Granddaughter, Angela Rae Martinez. 

Pallbearers will include Aasa and Ryder Flores, Candace “C.J.” Cunningham, Ivan Garcia, Chris Harrow, and Phillip Gonzales. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday March 1st, 2024, at French’s Funeral Home 7121 Wyoming Blvd. Albuquerque, NM. with a celebratory reception following. Interment will follow immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7500 Paseo del Norte NE, Albuquerque, N.M.