Esperanza Gamez
Passed: October 25, 2022
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Esperanza Gamez
Passed: October 25, 2022
Obituary
Esperanza Gamez, known to many as “Espy” was born in El Paso, Texas but spent most of her life growing up in Tolleson, Arizona. She was one of 11 children born to Jose and Aurora Soltero.
In Tolleson, she met her future husband, Hector. They were married and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Espy and Hector both worked for Maricopa County. They raised two children, Hector Jr. and Erica. They were parishioners at SS. Simon and Jude in Phoenix. Hector and Espy spent several years attending sporting events and supporting St. Mary’s High School, Verrado High School, and Canyon View High School.
After retiring from the state, Espy took on her role as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Maria Isabel, Maverick, Blake, and Olivia.
Espy enjoyed reading, music, dancing, and shopping.
She will be missed, but is now at peace with her Heavenly Father.
Be sure to hug your loved ones a little tighter and tell them you love them. And remember what Espy would always say, “Behave, and enjoy life.”
A mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
5 responses to Esperanza Gamez
Margaret Henning says:
October 29, 2022
I knew Espy for 48 years. Met her at work at Maricopa County Hospital in Human Resources. I was 23 she was 21. Over the years as our careers developed we shared pieces of our personal life and moved up in Human Resourced for Maricopa County. Espy was witty, quick and very sharp-a good dresser also. So sad to lose her. She was a strong remarkable lady!
Debbie Neitch says:
October 29, 2022
Gloria Reich, Emma Fleming, Mary Lou Sarrault, and I have each known Espy for 40 to 50 years. We remember her being the only person we knew to have an office in the trunk of her car. She had more shoes than the other four of us put together. When leaving their house for work in the mornings, Hector would drive their van to Tolleson to take the kids to Hector’s parents while Espy slept on the mattress in the van. When she got to work, she’d run to the bathroom to put on her makeup.
We’ve taken trips together, and usually celebrated Christmas with decorations no matter what time of year it was. In 2010 on one of our trips, it gave us such pleasure when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior along with Mary Lou and Emma. Gloria and I were full of joy. At that point we were not only friends, we became sisters in Christ. We began referring to ourselves as the Fab 5 in Faith.
We’ve had great times together that we’ll all cherish. We were a great team of close friends. We know where she is without a doubt – spending eternal life with The Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), and the Fab 5 will all gather together again in Heaven when we pass.
Mary Lou Sarrault says:
October 30, 2022
Espy was the most vivacious person, with such an outgoing and friendly personality and a great wardrobe. Debbie mentioned her shoes, but I will never forget her clothes closet! It was a spare room with commercial clothing racks. The last few years were such a disheartening time. I can see Espy now, singing and dancing and talking up a storm in Heaven. You are missed, dear friend.
Scott Everett says:
October 31, 2022
Espy was a friend of my mom’s Debbie Everett-Neitch. Espy was always so nice and had a little nasally voice and laugh. I remember always seeing her around the office at Maricopa-County Hospital when I would mess around there during my summer vacations from school. Can’t wait to see her again in heaven. Rest in peace until the Lord comes again.
Gloria Reich says:
November 4, 2022
This dear friend of mine was very precious. I remember the first day I met her; I thought she had the most beautiful hair of any woman I’d ever seen. She was quick to give a compliment or listen with empathy if you wanted to share a problem; her advice was wise. Her giggle was charming. She loved her family–her husband, her children, her parents and her sisters and brothers.
What amazing trips we (the Fab 5) took together–Espy sleeping on the couch or on her blow-up mattress. Oh, the stories we would share, but what was told there stayed there. We’d sit around talking until the wee hours, take walks and visit all the thrift stores. Treasured memories! The four of us–Debbie, Mary Lou, Emma and I–will still consider our special group the Fab 5, because Espy will always be among us in spirit. Someday, sweet sister, we’ll reunite in God’s glorious kingdom.