Esperanza Gonzalez De Zepeda

Today we gather to honor and celebrate the life of Esperanza Gonzalez, a woman whose name truly reflected who she was - Esperanza meaning hope. And hope is exactly what she gave to everyone who had the gift of knowing her. 

Esperanza lived 91 years as a beautifully simple person, grounded, spirited, and deeply connected to the natural world. She wasn’t just devoted to Mother Nature. At times, she was Mother Nature. With patience, tenderness, and determination, she had an extraordinary way of bringing life back to even the smallest, most fragile creatures. If a baby chick could be saved, Esperanza would be the one to do it. She believed in life, in second chances, and in nurturing what was delicate.

Her love for animals, especially her beloved chickens was pure and genuine. They weren’t “just animals” to her; they were companions, confidants, and part of her daily rhythm. Alongside them, her flowers and her garden were her sanctuary. With the sun on her face and the outdoors surrounding her, she found peace.

What brought her just as much joy as her garden was hearing from her family. She always looked forward to visits and phone calls; excited to share every update about her flowers, her chickens, her animals, and whatever new bit of “craziness” had made her laugh that day.

Esperanza also had a sharp wit and a radiant sense of humor. She laughed easily and often laughed hardest at herself. She knew exactly how wonderfully "mischievous" she could be, and she embraced it with no shame, only joy.

If there was music playing, you knew where you’d find Esperanza, on the dance floor. She would go to a party not to eat, but to dance. And even though her husband did not like to dance, he truly enjoyed watching her; content as she moved with joy, freedom, and confidence. Dancing was part of her soul. It was how she expressed happiness and life itself. And she loved to sing, filling spaces with her voice and her spirit. Especially enjoying the songs her husband chose and lovingly encouraged her to sing.

In the kitchen, Esperanza had a short but legendary list of favorites: chicken meatballs, popcorn, and arroz con leche. These weren’t just meals; they were comfort, tradition, and love served in simple, unforgettable ways.

One of the most endearing things about Esperanza is that you could never leave her home empty-handed. Without fail, she would send you off with a banana or an orange. Fruit pressed into your hands like a blessing.

Above all, Esperanza lived authentically. She didn’t pretend to be anyone else. She didn’t need extravagance. Her life was made rich by the outdoors she loved, animals at her feet, music in her ears, fruit in her hands, her family by her side, a little capful of vodka, and laughter in her heart.

Today, we grieve her physical absence but we also carry forward her legacy:
To nurture life.
To laugh at ourselves.
To dance joyfully.
To sing without fear.
To care deeply for small creatures.
To offer kindness in simple ways.
To leave every space just a little more joyful than we found it.

Esperanza Gonzalez leaves behind a garden of memories, blooming in the hearts of all who loved her. And while our hearts feel heavy today, we know she would want us to dance, to laugh, to sing, and maybe even take a banana on the way out.

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Hoy nos reunimos para honrar y celebrar la vida de Esperanza Gonzalez, una mujer cuyo nombre reflejaba perfectamente quién era - Esperanza, que significa esperanza. Y eso es precisamente lo que regaló a todos los que tuvimos el privilegio de conocerla.

Esperanza vivió 91 años como una persona bellamente sencilla, firme, alegre y profundamente conectada con la naturaleza. No solo estaba dedicada a la Madre Naturaleza. En muchos momentos, ella misma era la Madre Naturaleza. Con paciencia, ternura y determinación, tenía un don extraordinario para devolver la vida incluso a las criaturas más pequeñas y frágiles. Si un pollito podía salvarse, Esperanza era quien lo lograba. Creía en la vida, en las segundas oportunidades y en el cuidado de lo más delicado.

Su amor por los animales, especialmente por sus gallinas era puro y sincero. No eran “solo animales” para ella; eran compañeros, confidentes y parte de su rutina diaria. Junto a ellos, sus flores y su jardín eran su refugio. Con el sol en su rostro y el aire libre a su alrededor, encontraba paz.

Lo que le daba tanta alegría como su jardín era escuchar de su familia. Siempre esperaba con ilusión las visitas y las llamadas; feliz de contar cada novedad sobre sus flores, sus gallinas, sus animales y cualquier nueva “travesura” que la hubiera hecho reír ese día.

Esperanza también tenía un gran sentido del humor y un ingenio brillante. Reía con facilidad y muchas veces se reía más fuerte de sí misma. Sabía lo maravillosamente “traviesa” que podía ser, y lo abrazaba con orgullo y alegría.

Si sonaba música, ya sabíamos dónde encontrar a Esperanza, en la pista de baile. Iba a las fiestas no para comer, sino para bailar. Y aunque a su esposo no le gustaba bailar, él disfrutaba verla; contento al verla moverse con alegría, libertad y confianza. Bailar era parte de su alma. Así expresaba la felicidad y el amor por la vida. Y le encantaba cantar, llenando los espacios con su voz y su espíritu. Especialmente disfrutando las canciones que su esposo escogía y la animaba a cantar.

En la cocina, Esperanza tenía una lista corta pero inolvidable de platillos favoritos: albóndigas de pollo, palomitas de maíz, y arroz con leche. No eran solo comidas; eran consuelo, tradición y amor servidos de manera sencilla.

Una de las cosas más entrañables de Esperanza es que nunca te dejaba salir de su casa con las manos vacías. Sin falta, te ofrecía un plátano o una naranja; fruta entregada como una bendición.

Sobre todo, Esperanza vivió con autenticidad. No fingía ser alguien más. No necesitaba lujos. Su vida estaba llena de riqueza gracias al aire libre que tanto amaba, los animales a sus pies, la música en sus oídos, la fruta en sus manos, su familia a su lado, un taponcito de vodka, y la risa en su corazón.

Hoy lloramos su ausencia — pero también continuamos su legado:
Cuidar la vida.
Reírnos de nosotros mismos.
Bailar con alegría.
Cantar sin miedo.
Amar profundamente a los animales.
Brindar bondad en las cosas sencillas.
Dejar cada espacio un poco más alegre de como lo encontramos.

Esperanza Gonzalez deja un jardín de recuerdos floreciendo en los corazones de todos los que la amaron. Y aunque hoy nuestros corazones están tristes, sabemos que ella querría que hoy bailáramos, riéramos, cantáramos, y tal vez que nos lleváramos un plátano al salir.

 Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:00 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Prosser, WA with burial to follow at the East Prosser Cemetery, Prosser, WA.   Those wishing to sign Esperanza's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esperanza Gonzalez De Zepeda, please visit our floral store.