Maria "Lucy" Carrasco Gonzales, age 66 passed away quietly on August 9, 2014 surrounded by her family after a lengthy and courageous 25 year battle with breast cancer.

She was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 and in remission, when it returned in 2007. Through the years that followed, Lucy endured endless trips to and from Stanford treatment center and was hopeful and optimistic of the future that lay ahead. Lucy was known by family and friends as a strong, independent woman with a sweet tooth who sheltered others from her struggles with the disease so that they would not worry.

And although the disease took up many hours, days and even years of her life, it did not define her. Lucy was an avid traveler, enjoyed bargain shopping, watching the seasons change and spending time with her family.

Lucy is survived by her husband of 43 years Joe V. Gonzales, daughters Melissa Marquez of EI Dorado Hills, Julie Gonzales of San Jose and Son in Law, Tony E. Marquez Jr. In addition, she leaves behind her greatest joy her grandchildren Nicholas (16), Michael (16), Roman (7) and Camille (5).

The family wishes to thank her "Stanford Cancer Clinic Family" who cared for her like their own, treated her with dignity, respect and greeted her with a warm smile even when she wasn't feeling well. Donations can be made in memory of Lucy to medicalgiving.stanford.edu attn: Centers, Institutes "Hospital and Clinic Fund."

Vigil services will be held 7:00pm, Friday, August 15, 2014 at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday August 16, 2014 at 11:00 am at St Catherine's of Alexandria in Morgan Hill, CA. Burial to follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.