Maria Consuelo “Chelo” Gonzalez-Montalvo

Maria Consuelo “Chelo” Gonzalez- Montalvo, 83, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. 

A big part of our lives has left this world, but she will always remain in our hearts. Our mother gained her wings and has gone to be with the Lord. Despite her challenges with illness, she continued to live her life to the fullest. We always admired her belief in herself and her strength to overcome any obstacle. Her passion for helping others came naturally. Her drive for fairness and equality in Laredo left a lasting impact on the city. Her patience, honesty, strength, and respect laid the foundation for her service as the first City Councilwoman of Laredo. She served two terms, from 1988-1991 and 1996-1999.

Her commitment to serving the community extended far beyond her time in public office. She was an active member of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) since the 1970s, working tirelessly to advance the rights and opportunities for the Latino community. Through her leadership, she participated in organizing initiatives that addressed education, civil rights, and voter registration efforts, ensuring that marginalized voices were heard and represented. She also played a key role in supporting local schools, advocating for better resources and educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

In addition to LULAC, she was deeply involved in numerous other civic and charitable organizations. Whether it was organizing food drives, fundraising for scholarships, or mentoring young leaders, she was always ready to lend her time and energy. She volunteered at community functions, and her efforts to uplift the less fortunate became one of her most cherished missions. Her involvement with women's groups and the community helped shape policy discussions in Laredo, pushing for progress and change.

She always welcomed everyone into her home, maintaining an open-door policy for any community member in need. She devoted countless hours to her community and the city of Laredo, consistently stepping up to address the issues that mattered most to the people. Her compassionate leadership inspired many, motivating others to follow in her footsteps and strive to make a difference.

She cherished family time, and whenever music played, she couldn’t resist dancing. She had many friends with whom she loved to talk, sharing ideas and plans for the future of the community she held so dear. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of service, kindness, and leadership will continue to live on.

She was preceded in death by parents, Cruz Gonzalez and Consuelo Del Toro Gonzalez; siblings, Barbara Gonzalez, Manuela Lozano, Rodolfo “Rudy”Gonzalez, Juan Gonzalez, and Cruz Gonzalez, Jr. 

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 60 years of marriage John Peter Montalvo; children, Juanita Melissa (Mario) Soto, John Peter (Amelia) Montalvo Jr., Rodolfo Miguel Montalvo, and Gerardo Daniel (Beth) Montalvo; grandchildren, Ramiro “Rammie” (Linda) Hernandez III, Delilah (Giovanni) Galindo, Randal Marc Hernandez, John Peter Montalvo III, James David Montalvo, Joseph (Sandra) Gaytan, Gerardo Daniel Montalvo Jr., and Jesse James Montalvo; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Angelica (Jose) Ramirez as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, October 18, 2024 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, October 19, 2024 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be: Ramiro Hernandez III, John Peter Montalvo III, James David Montalvo, Joseph Gaytan, Gerardo Daniel Montalvo Jr., Randal Marc Hernandez, Jesse James Montalvo, and Giovanni Galindo

Honorary Pallbearers will be: John Peter Montalvo Jr., Rodolfo Miguel Montalvo, Gerardo Daniel Montalvo, and Mario Soto

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.