Eraida Gonzalez

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was the wife of a U.S. Air Force Veteran. She met the love of her life, Arcadio (Icky) Gonzalez and was married 65 years.

After she married, she moved from Puerto Rico to New York City, where she worked in New York's Garment District as part of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). She also helped her sister Minia at the family restaurant. All this and still maintaining a household of 5 children. She relocated to Miami, Fl in 1979 and as a Terminal Operations Supervisor for Commercial Bldg. Maintenance (Terminal 58), where she ultimately retired.

Eraida became a full time Mom and Grandmother while in Miami and loved spending time in the kitchen, cooking, and baking all the dishes we still enjoyed today. Favorites such as pasteles, Bread pudding, empanadas and best of all Pinon! Family gatherings made her so happy. Her face was a constant glow whenever we all gathered. Like my dad, the Yankees were her favorite team.

Later in life she discovered the joy of cruising. Having taken many cruises, she always looked forward to the next one. Cruising Disney and visiting the Disney Parks were her favorite getaways. She loved the Magic Kingdom and was crazy for Minnie Mouse.

Eraida was the "Matriarch of the Gonzalez family" and treated all members of her family as individuals. She took great pride in her family and would always provide words of hope and encouragement to all of them during times of uncertainty.

She is survived by her 5 children, Arcadio B. Gonzalez, Jr. (Lorre), Alex Gonzalez (Lindy), Lulu Gonzalez, all of Orlando, Fl, Aida Ortiz of Miami, Fl, and Madeline Ellis (Marc) of Youngstown, OH. She also leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, one sister, Minia Head, along with many other relatives and friends.

Her never-ending generosity and kindness to family, friends, the church and everyone who crossed her path in life will forever be remembered and cherished. She will be forever in our hearts and missed by all. May she Rest in Peace.