Margarita M Gonzalez

She loved to read and learn just like her father. Her appetite for knowledge far surpassed her appetite for food. She jumped two grade levels in school and could keep up with all her studies. Everyone in her house knew not to make noise when she was trying to study, or else! Her brother Victor paid for her to go to secretarial school, where she graduated top of the class.

From there, she moved to the big city of San Juan to find employment. She loved working in banking and she loved being in San Juan. She married Fausto González after a brief correspondence courtship and had three children: Lourdes, Maribel, and Fausto Enrique.

Despite never having done any chores growing up, she kept a clean and beautiful home, and made delicious meals every day after working a full eight hour shift. O, how we loved her cooking! Her arroz con gandules and her flan were incredible; something she had in common with her mother.

1977 brought a move to Florida. She was away from her native land but she never forgot her beloved Puerto Rico. After her husband passed in 1987, she continued working and never once felt sorry for herself or her circumstances. Having no driver’s license, she took two buses to work each way, was always punctual and loyal to her employer. She involuntarily retired at the age of 77 because her department was outsourced overseas.

Family was at the center of her life and heart. She loved her children and was extremely proud of them. When grandchildren came, she was beyond ecstatic. How she adored Jessica, Jacqueline, Greyson and Oliver! She would talk about them to anyone who would listen. They were an ever growing source of pride to her. The family will always love and miss her. She will forever live in their hearts.