Elba Gonzalez

Elba Gonzalez, a vibrant and spirited woman, was born on March 7, 1945, in Camuy, Puerto Rico, and passed away on September 4, 2024, at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT. In 1968 she moved to Bridgeport, CT where she truly began to enjoy her life.  Elba lived life with boundless energy and a heart full of love. Her days were spent in fellowship, always embracing her church community and encouraging others to seek a relationship with God. She was a devout Catholic who faithfully worshipped at St. George, St. Charles and St. Mary's churches in Bridgeport.  She was a social butterfly who thrived on being out and about, seldom spending time at home. Whether she was shopping, gardening, or planning her next visit to Puerto Rico, Elba was always on the move. Her joy for life extended to her family, and she cherished every moment spent with her beloved grandchildren. Elba was known for her great appetite, both for food and for life's adventures.

Elba worked at SMG for over 30 years at the downtown People's/M&T building and made many friends during this time. She was loved by many coworkers whom she endeared as her extended family.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica (Julio) Calvao, and her cherished grandchildren: Orlando (Neely) Labrador, Jr., Luis (Nicole) Rosa, Anthony Labrador, Julio E. Calvao, Xavier Calvao and Aiden Burke. She also leaves behind her dear great-grandchildren: Isabel Rosa, Navaeh Labrador, Noah Labrador, and Amir Labrador. Her sisters, Gloria Cruz and Victoria Campos, her nieces & nephews Celia Reyes, Bianca Reyes, Carmelo Baez, Eddie Reyes & Ivan Campos.  She shared a special bond with her late husband's children Nancy Gonzalez, Miriam Ocasio and the late Mildred Colon & Rafael Gonzalez. Her loving nature extended to her special niece Celia and great niece Bianca, her nephews Carmelo, Eddie and Ivan whom she loved as her own children.  And a host of relatives and friends who will forever cherish the legacy of love and faith that will live on through her family and all those she touched with her warmth and spirit.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years the late Evaristo Gonzalez, her parents the late Victor and Isabel Cruz and her daughter the late Isabel Tranquillo.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elba's life at the Funeraria Luz de Paz, 426 E. Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A final gathering will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. George Roman Catholic Church, 443 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Interment will follow at Park Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT.

Elba's vibrant spirit and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but never forgotten.