Julia Mary Muñoz nee Gonzalez - 97

Chicago, IL, Roseland and South Chicago

Julia Mary Muñoz nee Gonzalez, age 97, passed away on April 3rd, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Roseland and South Chicago neighborhoods as well a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony Of Padua Church. Julia was a graduate of Bowen High School. As the eldest of 14 brothers and sisters, she learned at an early age how to lead and care for others.  She continued this practice throughout her life as she became a mother of four, a counselor to her brothers and sisters, a confidant to her nieces, nephews, and numerous friends, and a second mom to many.

Julia was a former board member of the Chicago Family Health Center and volunteered at church, the police department, and through community work. She retired with over 20 years of service as an arts and crafts instructor for the Chicago Park District, with much of her time at Russell Square Park. During her retirement, Julia continued volunteering, and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, travel, and her grandchildren.

Wife for 48 years of the late Gilbert Muñoz. Mother of Sandra Muñoz, Ronald (Jeanne) Muñoz, Julie (Rodman) King, and the late Gilbert (Maria) Muñoz Jr. Grandmother of Christopher Muñoz, Philip Muñoz, Matthew (Lara O’Brien) Muñoz, Brian (Elizabeth) Muñoz, David (Neha Savant) Muñoz, Deborah and Rebecca King. Great grandmother of Eames, Theo, Stella, Olivia, Abigail and Catherine Muñoz. Daughter of the late Inez nee Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez. Sister of Alvera (late Joseph) Gardunio, the late (late Pedro) Lebron, Dolores (late Luis) Nodal, Juan Gonzalez, Beatrice (late Marcus) Hernandez, Carlos “Chuck” (late Helen) Gonzalez, Michael (late Brenda) Gonzalez, Linda (late Calvin) McDowell, Aurora Rodriguez, Caroline (late Jimmie) Williams, Christina (Thomas) Umstead, Steven (Laura) Gonzalez and Timothy Gonzalez. Aunt of many loving nieces and nephews. Friend to many.  

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blocks east of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Thursday April 16, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Lying in state on Friday April 17, 2026  at St Anthony of Padua Church, 11533 South Prairie Ave, Chicago from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Mass 10:30 am. Interment St Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.  In honor of Julia’s joyful personality, the family kindly asks that guests wear RED, as it was her favorite color.