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Diane Gonzalez Obituary
Diane was born September 13, 1951 to Fernando Martinez and Lily Martinez-McCaskill. She was raised alongside her sister Andrea Martinez and brother Bobby Martinez in Bakersfield, California. Diane and Gil Gonzalez had two children Dominic and Jennifer. She later stepped into her most favorite role as "Nana" to her most special joys, her grandchildren; Emily, Skyler, Braden and Lily.
Diane made many lifelong friends from school, work, events and neighbors, whom she remained in close contact through all the years. After High School she attended business college and later started her distinguished 29 year career with the Bakersfield City School District. She had many roles within the school district, from a payroll clerk, school secretary at Jefferson Elementary school and an administrative secretary at the district office. Diane was member/volunteer of many groups like The Cursillo Movement, Rho Mu Sorority and the American Lung Association.
Diane loved to travel. Her favorite place was Monterey, Ca. She enjoyed many summers taking her grandkids on trips to share her love of new adventures. Diane enjoyed having family gather around her house and especially loved hearing the grandkids stories. She loved cooking dinners for her family, but baking was always her passion from cakes, cookies, goodies all the way up to wedding cakes. In October 2019, Diane had a kidney transplant from a generous friend, Sharon Kruse, who without hesitation offered to be a donor and was a 99% match. Diane and her family were beyond grateful for the life changing generous offer.
Diane was preceded in death by her father, Fernando Martinez, mother Lily Martinez-McCaskill, her brother Bobby Martinez and her daughter Jennifer Gonzalez. She is survived by her sister Andrea Martinez, her son Dominic Gonzalez and his wife Michelle Gonzalez and her grandchildren Emily Gonzalez, Skyler Dearmore, Braden Gonzalez and Lily Hoffman.
Diane had a generous and caring heart. She was loved by so many! She will always be remembered as someone who always cared for and helped others and for being blessed with so many special longtime friends. Our world will never be the same, but we will always remember her wonderful smile and caring heart. We may not be able to physically see her, hug her, or laugh with her, but she will forever be in our hearts and memories.
A viewing will be on February 1, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm. Mass will be at 10:00am on February 2, 2023. The viewing, Rosary and Mass will be at Christ the King Church, 1800 Bedford Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308. There will be a reception following the Mass.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diane Gonzalez
Sharon Kruse
September 14, 2025
As you celebrate your 74th birthday in HEAVEN Diane...your famly and I will be celebrating you today at our favorite meeting place LOMA LINDA. MISS YOU EVERYDAY, your KIDNEY BUDDIE SHARON
Tina Galan
February 3, 2023
Diane was a cousin to me and my husband and my daughter. She was the most gracious lady I´ve ever met, and so sweet one of the sweetest cousins that he had. We had the honor of being at her service yesterday at Christ, the King Catholic Church, and I have to say Dominic that the service was beautiful. The church is beautiful. Also very touching and emotional service. Diane left an imprint on my heart that I´m sure she did too a lot that she met in life, she will be sorely missed. she is flying high with the angels now with God in heaven, and I know that she is looking down on all of us and she´ll always be with us until we meet again .from your loving cousins Tina and Leonard Galan
Rachel Bradley
January 29, 2023
I am Diane's cousin from Modesto. I had the pleasure of being asked to be in Diane and Gil's wedding. I also used to go camping with Diane and the family. I was so blessed to be able to visit Diane. She was quite the host and such a loving and fun cousin to be around. She will be missed dearly. It was a blessing and a pleasure to know her and the family.
Phyllis Pyles Gamez Bransfield
January 29, 2023
My 1st Friend in 8th grade when my family moved. Diane was in my wedding too. Friends since 1965 Will miss her friendship.
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Anne Rhodes
January 29, 2023
Diane will be missed She was a very dear Sorority sister.
Juanita Herrera
January 28, 2023
My deepest most heartfelt condolences to all Diane´s family. I had the privilege of working with Diane at Jefferson School, God give you all His peace and strength to carry on
Maria Quiroz
January 28, 2023
My deepest condolences to Dominic, Michelle and family. Diane had a heart of gold. She was a great listener and a source of support to many. We worked together for several years at BCSD and I will cherish the memory of our talks laughs and lunches. You are truly missed but I take comfort that you are with loved ones who welcomed you into heaven. Continue to watch over your loved ones. Till we meet again dear friend.
Cathy Kibbey
January 28, 2023
I am so very sad to hear of her death. I lived next door to her from 1984-1993. She was the best neighbor/friend that anyone could ask for. After moving away, we didn´t keep in touch like we should have, and I always regretted that. I pray for peace and healing for her family.
Jimmy Gonzales
January 28, 2023
dear family, i´m sad to hear of Diane´s passing. I´ve known her since we were kids her parents were very good friends with my parents, deepest and most sincere condolences from my family and I.
Vickie D´Amato
January 28, 2023
Diane was a childhood friend from the 7th grade. I will always cherish our girlfriend time together. We have shared many lunches, dinners and life in general together. I´m thankful the memories I can hold onto. My prayers continue for Dominic and family to find strength and peace to carry forward. Your family and friends that are like family will miss you forever. Just always know you are always loved and never forgotten. Love you girlfriend. Vickie D.
Lyn & Donny Williams
January 28, 2023
We are saddened & our hearts are heavy at Diane´s passing.
We all have a treasure trove of beautiful memories that we will keep safely tucked in our minds and heart. Let´s visit these memories often and smile at the moments we were blessed to have.
Our love, prayers and hugs to all in Diane´s life that feel her loss so deeply.
Sharon Kruse
January 28, 2023
You broke our hearts the day you left, but my heart is full because you are not in pain anymore. You will be missed more than you could ever imagine. We both thanked GOD for putting you in my path of life, at just the right time. I'm grateful for our friendship and our forever bond. I love you, your Kidney Buddie Sharon
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