Marie Elena Gonzales Gallegos

Our “love you to the moon and back”, #1 sister, #1 daughter, Mom, aunt, Nina, great aunt, friend, neighbor and care giver to our daddy; passed away with her BFF, Tina by her side on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025.

Marie was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 27th, 1960, to Linda & Bingham Coverdale. Six years later she and Anita were welcomed into the Gonzales Family. Then…began the arrival of her three baby sisters. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1978. She was part of St. Therese CYO and made many friends through this organization including lifelong friends from Tooele, and her first boyfriend we knew, Robbie. She was a singer in a band called Tormagny. We thought she was so cool and groovy from early on in our childhood. Marie was beautiful with her long hair and the classy sassy way she dressed. We looked up to her as a role model. 

Many of you may remember her from working at the original El Farol in Midvale. And many of you will remember her from her passionate work in healthcare. She worked with pride for St. Joseph’s Villas for nearly 20 years. Her compassion and loving ways attracted family and friends to bring their loved ones so she could overlook their care. Marie was key in planning our Gonzales Family Reunions because family was so important to her. Marie most recently provided tender loving care to her #1, daddy. She lived with him for several years and cared for him the way our mother did. They had routines. They enjoyed Price is Right, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune daily. The evening would always end with her ensuring that our daddy had his cookies and milk before she tucked him tightly into bed with a kiss on the forehead. 

Our sister was our second mother when we needed her and even when we thought we did not. Marie nurtured, bandaged, hugged, and kissed our fears away. As a mother to her precious Katee & Courtney, she molded and guided them and loved every minute with her girls. She kept us all on the straight and narrow path reminding us to stay classy. Marie’s cherished titles were Aunt and Nina. She spent endless hours and days supporting and always encouraging our babies in all their endeavors. She was so proud of each one of their accomplishments. Marie was our weekly or daily check-in phone call or tag. We can smile knowing that she is in our mama’s embrace again. Marie is already so painfully missed.

Marie is survived by her father, Mike Gonzales; her bonus mom Anushka Coverdale; her sisters Anita Merriman, Bernadette (Eric) Duran, Sophia (Gary) Romero, Lupe (Kevin) Taylor; daughters Katee (Danny) Desmarais, Courtney Gallegos; 13 nieces and nephews; 12 great nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Marie is preceded in death by her mother, Linda Gonzales; her father, Bingham Coverdale. 

On behalf of the Gonzales family, please join us for a Celebration of the Life of Marie. We would also like to thank you for your love and support during this very difficult time.

Sunday, January 26th, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Short Service at 1:45 pm, followed with lunch at The Historic Draper Barn,1166 E Pioneer Road, Draper, Utah 84020.