Maria Esperanza Gamez, 47, of Hardee County, passed away on February 1, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Born December 16, 1978, in Winter Haven, Florida, she was the daughter of Juan Gamez and Maria F. Garza. Maria was a Residential Service Associate with Lakeside Neurologic and worked part-time at Walmart. A lifelong resident of Hardee County, she was cherished by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Juan Gamez.

Maria is survived by her mother, Maria F. Gamez of Zolfo Springs, Florida; her life partner, Jose Gonzalez of Arcadia, Florida; her son, Elias Javier Montoya of Zolfo Springs, Florida; her daughter, Josephine Marie Gamez, and her fiancé, DeWayne Martin, of North Port, Florida; brothers Juan Gamez of Wauchula, Florida, and Antonio Gamez of Lakeland, Florida; grandchildren Isaiah Arnez Martin and Kehlani Hope Martin; step-grandchildren Kahmia Martin and Janeiah Martin; and her nephew Jacob Gamez and niece Miranda Gamez.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at the Pioneer Park Grange Building from 1:00-5:00 P.M.