Words overflow for Zoraida Gonzalez, a sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived a beautifully full life from start to end. Zoraida shared an amazing legacy with her family reaching the pinnacle at 81 years of love, laughter and tears. Zoraida Gonzalez, passed away after a long reoccurring battle with cancer on June 3rd, 2022. Zoraida or “Mama”, as she was affectionately known as, was a fierce woman – with her steadfast belief in God and His plans. Preceding her in death was her mother Manuela Lugardo, father Marcello Velez, brother Angel Sanchez, and granddaughter Gabrielle Gonzalez. She is lovingly survived by her three children, Haydee Diaz (Leonardo Ortiz), Zoraida E. Diaz-Gonzalez (Robert), and Henry Gonzalez. Other survivors to cherish her legacy are her siblings Juan Sanchez, Blanca Troffey, Brunilda Tehlikan, Lucelenia De Paz. Her ten grandchildren; Robert A. Gonzalez Jr., Deziree Ortiz (Daniel Uquillas), Nina (Spencer) Carpenter, Melannie McGroarty, Leonardo Ortiz, Rebecca Gonzalez, Damien Gonzalez, Lucas Gonzalez, Bella Gonzalez, and Ivette Gonzalez; Great grandchildren; Alexis, Joshua, Oliver, Mason Uquillas, Spencer and Lauryn Carpenter, London Rivas and Anaya Ortiz, Sylus Lawrence, Isabella Gonzalez. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Zoraida grew up in Utuado, Puerto Rico until her family moved to Keyport, NJ. As an adult she moved to New York and then eventually Newark, NJ where she raised her three children. She spent her career working at the New Jersey State Lottery Commission. Zoraida faced a multitude of struggles as a single parent, along with a tragic accident that forced her into early retirement and an extensive history of health issues. She loved her family, playing card games and Yahtzee with her children. She was always there to offer advice and a prayer to those who needed it. She held an unshakable faith in God and His planning. Although she was a reserved woman, she loved her family deeply. Zoraida will be desperately missed by all those that she has left behind. She was truly one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and surrounded by light and love.

A viewing will be held at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 404 N Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601. on Monday, June 6, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  

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