LOURDES GONZALEZ's Obituary
Lourdes González, 80, of 3761 Alcantara Avenue, Doral, Florida, said goodbye to an extraordinary life on earth and joined her late husband, Eduardo, and son, Eddie in heaven on July 6th.
She was born in the town of Jovellanos in the province of Matanzas, Cuba on January 7th, 1940. She attended Luz Caballero Academy primary and secondary school and later went on to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, like her father, at the University of Havana’s Medical School. During this time, she met the love of her life, Eduardo Gonzalez whom she married a few years later.
Due to Castro’s communist revolution, she was unable to complete her medical degree. However, in pursuit of the American dream, she overcame the hardships of a new life in a new country and was able to continue her studies (while working full time and raising a family) at Mercy College in Miami where she graduated with a degree in Microbiology.
Her career reflected her life’s devotion, which was to care for people and do everything possible to improve their well-being. Whether at Coral Gables Hospital or the VA Hospital, she was fortunate to work with amazing people that were part of her expansive extended family. During her 30+ years at the VA, she was always grateful for the opportunity to serve veterans and give back to the country that welcomed the Cuban exile community and offered life, liberty and pursuit of happiness for her family.
Lourdes’ boundless energy, passion, selflessness, faith and love for others resulted in a deep commitment to serve her Church and the Catholic community through organizations like Cursillos, Encuentro Familiares, Emaus retreats, bereavement counseling and homeless and prison ministries to name a few. She served as a Minister of the Eucharist in St. Agatha and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Churches where she was an active member of the parish communities.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, Godmother and friend. Her favorite pastime was toiling in the kitchen making many of her specialties and sharing them with just about everyone she could to nourish them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Her “secret ingredient” was that it was always made with love and there was an endless supply of that.
Lourdes leaves behind her son (Henry), daughter-in-law (Ana), grandkids (Bianca, Eddie, and Joseph) that she adored along with other family members and friends that were like family. But beyond that, she leaves her example of a life well-lived. She overcame innumerable physical and emotional challenges throughout her life and was a testament to the power of faith, hope, perseverance, joy and love. She was an exceptional person that touched a countless number of lives and loved by all. She will be missed, never forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.
Her funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (11691 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172) at 10am on Thursday, July 23rd. The burial will occur immediately following the mass and will be held at Woodlawn South cemetery located at 11655 SW 117th Ave. Miami, FL 33186. For everyone’s safety, masks must be worn at all times and social distancing regulations will be in effect during the services.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in her name to one of the following causes – ABCD, Camillus House, American Cancer Society or Disabled American Veterans.
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