Lucia "Lucy" Gonzales Chandler

June 17, 1959 - March 11, 2017

Lucia (Lucy) Gonzales Chandler, daughter, big sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother ("Tita,") and good friend to many, passed away March 11, 2017. Lucy was born June 17, 1959, in Midland, Texas, to Thomas and Maria Gonzales. Except for three years living in Denver, Colorado, Midland was Lucy's home for 54 years. God gifted her with a beautiful smile, eyes, hair, complexion, height, and a very spirited (to put it mildly) personality. Woe to those that received the dressing-downs from that sharp-tongue she could use so well (in both English and Spanishat the same time). Being the "Big Sister" (second in command behind Mom) of several siblings nurtured Lucy's ability to exert complete dictatorial control over them (according to the survivors.) One of Lucy's favorite places to visit was that quaint little city in the desert called Las Vegas. Vegas suited Lucy's persona to a 'T.' It was lights, gambling, a 24/7 party atmosphere, great shows, music, and food. I learned never (almost never) to play cards with Lucy as her head for numbers and tolerance for risk was far superior to mine. She was also game for trying new things like white water rafting (she always insisted on being up front.) The only "scaredy-cat" times I ever saw in her were at the ocean. She didn't like what she couldn't see, so each entry was not at full speed frolic, but rather a slow, torturous, tip-toed advance to a depth sufficient to dunk herself to neck level. Another quality Lucy had was her crusade to keep cosmetic workers employed. Her motto was never ever leave home without it. Even to go out to a hot beach required a solid hour of determined effort to make sure every eyelash was coated, eyes shadowed, liner drawn in its artistic curves, and lips colored sealed from sun, wind, rain, and any container that could not accommodate a straw. The serious side of Lucy worked for the Rape Crisis Center for a couple of years. She had a great passion for this cause and many a long night was spent on the phone trying to give comfort to those with a battered body and soul. Finally, the never ending ordeals took a toll on her state of mind and she had to "retire." The great love and purpose of her life were her two sons, Louis and Tony. She also welcomed two stepsons, Cory and Andy, into her life with open arms and a warm heart. However, although never losing that strong love for the boys, there is a miracle of nature called "grandchildren." With the coming of the next generation, Lucy's attention shifted from grown sons to the little people that were sprouting up around her, 10 to be exact. Strong in spirit and with the awe inspiring ability to overcome hard times and unpleasant events, Lucy is a role model that her granddaughters and grandsons should strive to emulate. Lucy was preceded in death by her mother. Living members of her immediate family are: her father, Thomas; husband, Stephen; sons, Tony (Melissa), and Louis; stepsons, Cory (Summer), and Andrew (Rachel); sisters, Cindy (Mike) Leon, Joann Gonzales, Brenda (Heather) Porras, Melinda (Martin) Baeza, and Michelle Bemal; brother, Thomas (Lisa) Gonzales, Jr.; grandchildren, Angel, Mercedez, Nathaniel, Mason, Kaitlyn, Grace, Gray, John, Hadley, and Eloise; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. We will miss you so very much and are still stunned that one of God's worst afflictions came upon you at such a young age. Thank you to all the staff at Mission Center Adult Day Services, Legacy Ranch Memory Care, and Midland Hospice for all your attention to, and compassion for, Lucy. Flowers and plants are beautiful, but so is the face of a child or woman who is at peace and healing from violence, so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Midland Rape Crisis & Children Advocacy Center at P.O. Box 10081, Midland, Texas 79702, to Safe Place of Midland at safeplacenow.com/donate.html, or to any other local institution that offers sanctuary and protection from the brutes and bullies that live in our community. Also, a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at 4400 N Big Spring St C32, Midland, TX 79705 would be most appropriate and appreciated. Goodbye for now my "Flaca." A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service at Serenity Memorial Gardens located at 6800 TX-349, Midland, Texas 79706 on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.