Longina Gonzalez

Longina “Gini” (Cruz) Gonzalez, 98, of East Hartford, loving wife of over 60 years of the late Pedro Gonzalez, peacefully entered into eternal life on Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, at her home with her beloved caring family by her side. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on April 15, 1927, a daughter of the late Juan and Georgina (Vega) Cruz, she had been a resident of East Hartford for over the past 25 years. A woman of strong faith who read the Bible faithfully, Longina was a longtime active member of Templo Fe Church in Hartford. She liked baking (especially her pineapple pastries) and cooking every day for her family and friends to enjoy. She liked to sew, garden, and travel to visit family members in Florida and Puerto Rico. Most of all, she took great pride in her home, being a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother caring for and supporting everyone.

Longina is survived by her two sons, Eliezer Gonzalez and his wife Onelia of Florida, Alejandro “Alex” Mendez and his wife Evelyn of Florida; her five daughters, Carmen Gonzalez and her husband Primitivo Concepcion of Florida, Emilda Medina of Florida, Miriam Cedeno and her husband Elias of Springfield, MA, Loida Oliveras and her husband Angel of East Hartford, and Dorca Gonzalez of East Hartford with whom she made her home. She also leaves a brother, Luis Cruz and his wife Maria of New Jersey; 22 special grandchildren; 48 cherished great-grandchildren; 21 adored great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Longina’s family will receive family and friends on Friday morning (May 2, 2025) from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at Templo Fe Church, 1019 Broad Street, Hartford. Her funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm at Templo Fe Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section P), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Longina’s name may be made to Templo Fe Church, 1019 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06106. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com