Carole Marie Gonzalez

Carole Marie Gonzalez left this world peacefully on January 12, 2025 in her 87th year. Born on March 21, 1937 in San Diego to Navy Commander Gerald Meter and Kathleen Meter, she moved often as a military child. The family settled in San Mateo, California where she graduated from San Mateo High School. She resided in California until 1992 when she and her husband, Herman Gonzalez relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada where she lived until her final day.

Tall and statuesque, she was a “long, cool woman in a black dress” in the eyes of her husband of 50 years. Her red hair shone with hues of apricot and copper, and her blue eyes were friendly to everyone she met. Always coiffed and impeccably manicured, she carried herself with a quiet elegance. She took pride in the two homes they owned and decorated each in the same tasteful manner. Ordinary yards were transformed into serene garden retreats where she grew roses, lush foliage and flowers, and planted palms.

Carole had a natural gift in the visual arts. She taught herself stained glass making and produced stunning lamps and hanging panels with an execution that rose to professional quality. She copied museum masterpieces to learn oil painting then created a multitude of her own canvases. She adorned home walls with murals and turned faded furniture into art pieces. She knitted, sewed, embroidered, and needlepointed. Jewelry design and diamond painting were in her repertoire. Whatever technique she picked up, she mastered. The portfolio of works she left behind is now a collection of heirlooms that will take the breath away from family and friends for years to come.

This beautiful, talented woman was the love of Herman’s life. They shared an unbreakable devotion and lived the definition of “soulmates.” Together they raised a blended family of five children, three dogs and four cats. As a team they generated a prosperous and contented lifestyle. She particularly enjoyed the mariachi music of his culture. Rewards came in fulfilling their dreams of world travel. They toured Europe, rode gondolas in Venice, ate fish and chips in London, and drank beer from steins in Frankfurt. They explored the Mediterranean, walked the cobbled roads of Pompei and stood before the Acropolis. Cruise ships carried them to exotic locations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, and all the way to Japan and Tahiti. In each adventure they stood side by side, never wavering in the joy of their marriage and commitment to each other.

More than anything, Carole was a sensitive soul. She inspired awe in those who had the privilege of knowing her. When challenges and inevitable sorrows arose, she managed them with grace. When times were good, as they most often were, she glowed.

Carole is survived by her husband, Herman Gonzalez; daughters Jennie Searle, Lisa Akamichi and Laura Gonzalez; and grandchildren Daniel, Renee, Megan, Erin, Brenda, and Jason. Preceding her in death are sons Craig Searle and Edward Gonzalez.