Obituary of Isabel Gomez

A Tucson native, Isabel grew up on the south side of town with her parents Amelia and Harry James, and siblings Georgia, Amelia, Harry and Tom. Always feisty and fiercely protective, Isabel was very athletic and participated in many sports – including chasing after and/or rescuing her brothers! After graduation from Tucson High, she worked as a cashier at Kress until she met and married Antonio (Tony) Gomez in November 1951. A year later, they welcomed Anna (Chacha), and then Mark three years after. Isabel worked in the home, raising her children before returning to the workforce as a cashier in the cafeteria at Corbett Elementary.  She loved being around the students. 

In 1965, Isabel and Tony were delighted to welcome another son, Anthony. She stayed at home to raise him before returning part-time to TUSD.

The Gomez family enjoyed vacations in their trailer and boat at San Carlos Lake and Roosevelt Lake, as well as in the family’s mobile home in the White Mountains - where they fished, hung out with friends, and made memories. When her husband became ill, she cared for him until his death in March 2002.

Isabel’s family meant the world to her, and when she wasn’t talking to or spending time with her three grandchildren – Nicole, Talia and Adam – she loved reading mysteries, playing games (and winning!), exercising at the pool or walking in the neighborhood, visiting the casino, or making her famous Mexican soups and dishes. She never met a stranger, and was always generous with her time, attention, and love.

Losing her son Tony to ALS eight months ago took its toll on her. Already a devout Catholic, she prayed constantly for a miracle. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to ALS Arizona at als.org/arizona or mailed to 360 Coronado Rd, Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85004, in her memory.

Isabel was shining light whose devotion to others will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her children Anna (Ron) Grounds, Mark (Lynne) Gomez, and daughter-in-law Melinda Gomez; grandchildren Nicole (Henry) Rivas, Talia (Andres) Hackman, and Adam Gomez; sister Amelia O’Brien; brothers Harry James and Tom (Eloise) James – and countless loving family members, and friends who she considered family.  

Services:

Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10 a.m.
St. Pius X Catholic Church
1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo
Tucson, AZ 85715

 

Luncheon following service:

El Molinito Mexican Restaurant
2323 N. Pantano Road
Tucson, AZ 85715

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