Tamara Kay Gonzales

Tamara “Tammy” Gonzales passed away in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on November 1, 2022, at the age of 67.

Tamara was born on October 10, 1955, in Midland, Michigan to Louis “Ken” Killinger and Janet “Jan” Demick. She graduated from Dow High School in 1976.

Tamara is survived by her husband, Joe Gonzales (Rio Rancho, New Mexico); Son, Joe Gonzales; Daughter-in-Law, Colleen Gonzales (Santa Fe, New Mexico); Daughter, Nicole Piacente (The Dalles, Oregon); Sarah Piacente (Rio Rancho, New Mexico), Megan Quintana (Rio Rancho, New Mexico), Son-in-Law, Justin Quintana (Rio Rancho, New Mexico); Brothers, Kris (Shannon) Killinger (Midland, Michigan), Kevin (Teresa) Killinger, Houston, Texas; Sisters, Deborah (Pete) Chaddock, (Traverse City, Michigan), Shawn Killinger (Cadillac, Michigan); Grandchildren, Abigail Quintana (12), Alexia Quintana (10), Eli Quintana (4), Justin Quintana Jr. (1), Jordan Piacente (11), Joe Gonzales, Arianna Gonzales, Arissa Gonzales, Ava Piacente, Sawyer Piacente, and her beloved pets, Molly, Rocky and Sunny.

She is preceded in death by her Father, Louis (Ken) Killinger, Mother, Janet (Jan) Killinger, and sister, Cheryl Lewicki.

She graduated from Dow High School in 1976. She married Joe Gonzales on October 25, 1988, in Santa Fe New Mexico.

Tamara was employed at the Santa Fe Animal Control from 1980-1992; Santa Fe Police Department from 1992-2000 and was a Criminal Investigator for the State of New Mexico from 2004-2018.

She was accomplished as an “FTO” (Field Training Officer), Domestic Violence Instructor, she was Officer of the year and Investigator of the year and served as a Board Member for Susan’s Legacy and was an active and dedicated member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Tammy was a devoted wife and mother to her 4 children. She loved gardening, interior decoration, volunteering, crafting, and shopping. She was dedicated to helping Children of her community. Tammy never met a stranger, she made friends with everyone she met. Tammy loved to help people, serve her church and community and was proud to be a police officer. Tammy will be deeply missed. She made a strong mark on this world and will always shine bright through the love and selflessness she left with her family and friends.

“It is not enough to hope for a better world, you have to take an active part and make it happen.” Tammy Gonzales

A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 pm at Daniels - Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

A Mass will be held Thursday, November 10 at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church - 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Please join the family for a reception at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 2:30 p.m.