Zenaida Andrade Gonzales

With love in our hearts, we remember our dearest Auntie Nene, Zenaida Andrade Gonzales, who was peacefully called home by our Lord and Savior on June 2, 2026, at the remarkable age of 96. To us, she was more than an auntie; she was a quiet strength and a beautiful example of a life well-lived in faith.

Born on July 6, 1929, in the coastal town of New Washington, Aklan, Philippines, Auntie Nene was the second eldest child of Leandro and Paciencia Gonzales, Auntie learned early the profound value of family devotion. Growing up alongside her siblings— Abraham, Dandy, Flora May, Hector, and Alberto— she became a steady anchor for them all. When her father moved the family to Davao, Auntie pursued her passion for learning, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. True to the family's deep commitment to higher learning, they relocated once more to Metro Manila before finally settling in Marikina. It was there that Auntie truly found her calling, dedicating her days to teaching elementary school children and filling her classroom with wisdom, patience, and love she shared so freely with the next generation.

Auntie dedicated years to caring for her beloved mother and supporting her sister, Auntie Baby- Flora Mae. In August 1976, a new chapter began when she and her mother immigrated to the United States, settling in San Francisco to join her sister, Flora May. For 40 years, Auntie Nene lived with Auntie Baby, supporting her to raise Edward.

Auntie’s life was anchored by an unwavering, deeply rooted faith. She was a devout member of Temple Baptist Church, and no matter where life took her, her relationship with God came first. We will always fondly remember how she kept her Daily Bread devotional right by her bedside, starting and ending her days wrapped in Scripture.

In their later years, both Auntie Nene and Auntie Baby chose to spend their retirement in Vancouver, Washington, to be in the same state as their youngest brother, Alberto and Dandy and their families.

Auntie Nene is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her parents, her brothers Abraham and Hector, her dear sister Flora May, and her nephews Albert and Abe. She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her surviving brothers, Dandy and Alberto, and the many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her dearly.

Though our hearts are heavy and the separation brings a profound sadness, we do not grieve without hope. As Scripture reminds us in Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but JOY comes in the morning.” We find sweet comfort knowing that Auntie is safely in the presence of Jesus, and for those who know the Lord, we look forward to the beautiful morning when we will see our Auntie Nene again.

Services on Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Forest Lawn Funeral Home

6701 30th Ave SW

Seattle, WA 98126

11 - 11:30-  Viewing w/piano music in chapel

11:40 – 12:30 – Service

12:40 – 12:50 – Transport casket to cemetery

1:00 – Committal service