28 Main street north
Martha Kathleen GONZALEZ
1962 - 2020
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Carol and Jeff Young posted a condolence
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Watching this video I did not really know Martha but she was one of my best friends besties and that’s enough for me to know how special she must have been. When I see how close they were and how truly special their relationship was It brought tears to my eyes. May you Rest In Peace sweet Martha and may my friend Wendy McLaren find peace in her memories of your special friendship.
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Cindy Wilson uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 18, 2020
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Great article in the Toronto Sun:
Trainer Nick Gonzalez knows late wife Martha will be at Woodbine in spirit when Silent Poet races in Nearctic Stakes
Author of the article: Steve Buffery
Publishing date: Oct 17, 2020
The Toronto Sun
“Say hi to Silent Poet!” trainer Nick Gonzalez says over the phone from his barn in the Woodbine backstretch.
“He’s standing right in front of me. He’s got his head over the screen here, listening to me talking and he’s bopping his head. I gave him a mint and a carrot and some barley grass and he’s just a happy horse.”
Nick sounds happy, too. Multiple stakes-winner Silent Poet has been a wonderful competitor for his connections and is the early favourite for the $250,000 Nearctic Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine, a Grade 2 six-furlong grass test for 3-year-olds and up. The Nearctic goes as the ninth of 11 races headlined by a pair of Grade 1 stakes, the $600,000 E.P. Taylor and $300,000 Northern Dancer Turf. A winner of nine races in 17 starts and 12 top-three finishes in his past 13 starts, Silent Poet heads into the Nearctic off a score on Sept. 27, a 1¾-length win over 6½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course.
“The best way to say it, he’s just in a zone,” said Nick. “He’s coming off a nice win, a nice prep for the race. I looked at the program and he’s the 2-1 favourite and he deserves to be. There’s a couple of tough horses coming in from the United States, but he’s a hometown kind of guy.”
Nick sounds happy and optimistic, as any trainer with the favourite heading into a big race would be. But, of course, inside, the long-time Woodbine conditioner is hurting deeply. On Oct. 4, Nick lost the love of his life, his wife and assistant, Martha, who died after a two-year battle with colon, liver and lung cancer. Her loss has been felt deeply at the Etobicoke oval. On the day of her passing, there was a moment of silence at Woodbine and all the jockeys wore black leg bands in her honour.
“You know something, I’m the luckiest guy in the whole wide world to have the support of this racetrack family,” Nick told the Toronto Sun this week. “Martha and I have kind of been a fixture here at Woodbine for many, many years, and she touched so many people’s lives. And since she passed, I’ve got so much support, condolences, fist pumps and the hugs and hand shakes, and arm bumps. It just keeps me going.
“When I’m home and I’ve got my quiet time, it’s different,” Nick continued, his voice trailing off. “But listen, we’re keeping on just like she’d want us to. She was just that kind of person, and we were so lucky to have been blessed with her. Myself and the people around the barn here are just going to stay strong and positive because that’s the way she would have wanted it. It’s been a very tough time for everybody here, but we’ve all stayed together.”
And win he did! Congrats to everyone involved. I know Martha is looking down with a big smile :)
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Cindy Wilson uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 18, 2020
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Silent Poet takes the G2 $250K Nearctic Stakes with Justin Stein up for Nick Gonzalez & Stronach Stables! This was for you Martha!
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Stuart and Valerie posted a condolence
Thursday, October 15, 2020
We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Nick and family on the loss of our fun-loving soul Martha. We very much enjoyed being around Martha at the racetrack, where she was always quick to greet us whenever she saw us with that big heartwarming, genuine smile. Martha we hope you rest in peace now with all your special racehorses in the sky and may you also have taken your wonderful purple boots along for the ride. Take good care Nick and family and our hearts are with you as you celebrate your great life of memories together. A tip of the glass to all of you and especially to you Martha. Love, Stuart and Valerie Simon
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Jim and Mary Cosby posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, October 10, 2020
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Nick and Family,
Thinking of you at this sad time. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
Love Jim and Mary Cosby
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Rick Pettifer posted a condolence
Friday, October 9, 2020
My condolences to Nick and family. Martha was a friend and exceptional trainer and I have many fond memories of working with her and being able to share that success in the winner's circle.
She will be greatly missed by everyone including the racing community and especially the horses. The next glass of Pinot Grigio is on me!
Rick Pettifer
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Heather Henry lit a candle
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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Dear Nick and Family
We are so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and trust that the beautiful memories you share of a life lived fully with Martha bring comfort to you. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, Martha was an amazing woman who brought much joy to this world and was loved and cherished by so many.
Your old friends,
Chris Roche and his daughter Heather Roche and Chris’ wife Linda, The Tullow Racing Stables
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Lori Shafley uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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Martha was an outstanding trainer, wonderful person and an even better friend, My husband, Chuck and I were friends with Nick and Martha for years. We enjoyed a lot of trips together over the years. My husband passed away in 2019. Wendy, Martha and I had a lot of fun on our girls getaway every fall for the last few years. We visited Nashville, Boston, New Orleans and Charleston. Even though she was afflicted with this horrible disease, Martha kept her head held high and worked for as long as she could. Chuck and I were thrilled to be at Woodbine when she and Nick won their first Queen's Plate with Big Red Mike in the presence of Queen Elizabeth herself. I'm sad that my friend is gone but I'm thankful she's no longer in pain. I'm honored to call Martha my friend and I hope everyone remembers Martha for the wonderful person she was. Until we meet again Martha! Lori
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Julie & Jeremy posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
It was an honor to be partners with Martha over the last 10 years. She will be missed. Our condolences to Nick, Nick Jr., baby Nicky and the rest of your family.
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debbie quranta posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
My condolences to the Gonzalez family Nick Sr ,Nick Jr and the rest of the family. Martha will greatly missed by all who knew her..
Ralph and Debbie Quaranta
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Carlo Tucci uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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Susan and I are so deeply sadden that we will no longer see your smiling face, or experience one of your awesome hugs. We will always fondly remember all the great experiences we had, while watching you care for our horses over the years. Our big win in the 2013 Queens Plate with Midnight Aria and our trip to the Breeders with Riker will rank as some of our most fondest moments.
We will always remember the love you showed to horses and people alike and your strength as you fought this terrible disease. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Rest In Peace.
Carlo & Susan
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Leanne Sheridan-Comeaux posted a condolence
Monday, October 5, 2020
My condolences to Nick, family and friends of Martha. She was one in a million. A client and friend for 30+ years. Woodbine won't be the same without the smile she wore so well. I always looked forward to her walking through the door. Her smile, attitude and grace she wore well. Amazing person and horsewoman.
I wish I could give all of you she left behnd a great big hug.
RIP Martha.
Laurie Gulas posted a condolence
Monday, October 5, 2020
My condolences to Nick and family. Our racing family has lost a huge and integral part of us. I feel blessed for all the contributions Martha made to my life as a person and as a trainer. RIP Martha, you are truly racing free now....
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Martha Wakely posted a condolence
Monday, October 5, 2020
You will always be the “nice” Martha. You will be missed by all.
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Lori Shafley uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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My husband, Chuck and I got into horse racing in 2001. Over time we were fortunate to meet Nick and Martha Gonzalez who became not only our trainers but our good friends. We shared many weekends with Nick and Martha at Fort Erie and Woodbine. Soon we started taking trips together to Saratoga and Lake George, Churchill Downs and Santa Anita. So many great memories! Martha and Chuck loved ice cream. Whenever they got together, it was standard procedure to order ice cream sundaes. They were partners in crime. The last few years, Martha, Wendy and I would do "girls getaways" to different places in the U.S. We had a lot of fun and drank a lot of wine! When Martha passed, my first thought was that she and Chuck were again ordering ice cream sundaes together and it made me smile. I will miss my dear friend but I will never forget her. She was an outstanding trainer in her own right, a kind person and an amazing friend. My life is better for having Martha in it.
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Wendy Mclaren posted a condolence
Monday, October 5, 2020
Sharing an article from the Toronto Sun, October 5, 2020 by Steve Buffery
BELOVED TRAINER PASSES AWAY
The Woodbine horse racing community is mourning the loss of long-time assistant trainer Martha Gonzalez, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gonzalez worked as an assistant trainer to her husband Nick for 35 years. The pair twice won the Queen’s Plate, with Midnight Aria in 2013 and Big Red Mike in 2010. All jockeys at Woodbine on Sunday wore a black band around their right leg to honor Gonzalez. There was also a moment of silence for Gonzalez as jockeys, trainers and track workers gathered on the turf following the Vice Regent Stakes.
Philip Hyde uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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Martha taught me alot over the years my condolences to the family rest easy Martha
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Kristin uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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Some people come into your life and make it better... Some people come into your life and make you better... Both is true of Martha! I will be forever grateful that I had Martha in my life and part of me will be forever hurt that it wasn't for long enough.
A beautiful woman with a beautiful soul...
Nico Lafond uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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She was more than a friend, she was a mother figure a guardian and mentor. She guided me through alot of my life in and out of the racing industry and was there for me more than anyone could imagine, especially in my deepest times of need. Her kindness and love had no boundaries, she had a heart of gold. I will miss her deeply and dearly but I know she will continue to watch over me and all her friends and family. R.I.P Martha until we meet again
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Monday, October 5, 2020
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Wendy McLaren uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 5, 2020
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Monday, October 5, 2020
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Cindy & Neal Wilson lit a candle
Monday, October 5, 2020
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Our deepest condolences to Nick, Nick Jr. and all their racetrack family. We will miss her dearly!
Much Love, Cindy & Neal Wilson, Bobby Bertrand, Lee & Tina Bertrand