Lydia Mae Gonzalez

Lydia M. (Barboza) Gonzalez, 87, of Newport, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 9, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Mario H. Gonzalez. Born in Taunton, Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Pine) Barboza.

Lydia was a loving mother who always put her children and family first as she loved to cook and was passionate about baking and doing crafts. She was a God loving, and God-fearing woman, and a believer of truth. Being bonded to her faith, she put God first. Her family and friends meant everything to her. She worked at Uncas manufacturing Jewelry as a key punch manager before opening and operating her own business with her late husband Mario in Newport, RI, owning Coristine Locksmith. She made many friends along the way with many becoming lifelong friends. She is loved and will be missed by many.

She was the devoted mother of Cherylann Whipple, Marilyn Gallucci and her husband Peter, Lisa Gonzalez and her husband Mario, Valerie Giblin and partner Robert Boisvert, Alan Rivera and David Rivera; loving sister of Paul Barboza, Ruthanne Costa and Inez Barboza; cherished grandmother of thirty-four, great-grandmother of forty-seven, and great-great-grandmother of two. She was also the mother of the late Debra Rossi, Steven Rivera and Daniel Rivera; and sister of the late John and Peter Barboza.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM in the funeral home, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in North Burial Ground Cemetery, Providence.

For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com