Andrea ""Andy"" Gonzalez, 49, passed away at her home on Miwuk Acres in Acampo after a courageous fight with cancer on Nov. 26, 2015. She left this world to be with the Great Creator and her eldest sister Toni (Noons). Andrea was born Feb. 27, 1966 in French Camp, raised in Galt, attended and graduated from local schools in 1984.

Andrea is survived by her husband John whom she met in 1979. They became teenage sweethearts and married on May 14, 1983. They continued to be soul mates and best friends for 351/2 wonderful years. She is also survived by daughter Andrea Jeanette (Moses) Flores, son John Jr. (Cristina), son Demitri (Brooke) and son Andrew (Magda); mother Velma White Bear, father Anthony Lopstain; sisters, Tina Barron, Madeline Romero, Stephanie Lopstain, Angelina Gonzalez; brothers Joseph Lopstain, Manuel Lopstain, Anthony Lopstain; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and adopted sister Victoria (TuTu) Garcia. She was Uma to her loving grandchildren Elijah (Witwetoo), Cristina (Baby Girl), Julian (JuJu), Dominic (Baby Dee), Violet (Lollipop), Maylauna (NaNa), Olivia (Lovie), Andre (Tater). Andrea will be missed by her two pomeranians, Wee Wee and Bear, who were with her for 11 years.

Andrea enjoyed working as the bookkeeper in the family business with her husband and their boys. She also considered all of the employees as her second family. Andrea gave many teenagers an opportunity to learn a skill. She was a great teacher and mentor for Magda, who became a regular employee. Andrea had the ability to be a good listener and enjoyed having conversations that created friendships with many customers.

Andrea was actively involved with her kids' interests and her grandchildren's school, sports and dance activities. She supported many different causes and fundraisers for local area schools including Project R.I.D.E. in Elk Grove; i.e., FFA, 4-H, Cancer Research, Elk Grove Food Bank, Wounded Warriors, Gifts for Native Children, Food for Elders and Families. She also helped out with children that were placed in her care and provided attention, guidance, love, a loving home atmosphere and discipline when necessary. She would encourage them to correct their actions, and she was an example to follow.

Andrea is a tribal member of the California Valley Miwok Tribe and was very proud to be American Indian. She worked diligently to organize, prepare for and participate in tribal events. She opened her home and property for the tribal cultural activities and tribal meetings, and was an awesome organized hostess for beading classes, making earrings, necklaces; gathering and preparing natural materials for weaving; basket weaving, leatherwork for moccasins, constructing dream catchers; organizing family reunions, holiday gatherings, barbecues, memorials and Miwuk language classes and native dance regalia. She also allowed her home and property to be used for family weddings, birthdays, baby showers, sleepovers and movie nights. She was also involved in making sure there were enough gifts for Christmas for all children and adults that attended the tribal Christmas parties. She would purchase many more gifts than needed.

Andrea was thankful for the opportunity to travel. She thoroughly enjoyed her trips to many different resorts and cruises out of the country. She especially enjoyed going to camp at the annual Bear Dance Spiritual Camp in Yosemite and going to Dillon Beach to relax. She also loved taking the family to play in the snow and stay in a cabin at Lake Tahoe, attend Pow Wows and Big Times in various locations and Indian reservations. She enjoyed Six Flags and amusement parks, fishing and taking her grandchildren on outings in the travel trailer. She always offered accommodations for other family members that wanted to travel. She loved being with her entire family and always tried to include them in events that she wanted to attend.
Beloved Andrea was a special person, for sure, and will forever live on in her family's hearts and minds through their travels, traditions and gatherings. The music she loved will be a constant connection to the memories shared and the life she lived.