Alba Renee Gonzalez's Obituary
Alba Renee (Rivero) Gonzalez was a vivacious force who packed an immense amount of love into her eighty-five years of life. She was born August 25, 1939 in Pando, Uruguay and passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by loved ones at her home in Ormond Beach, FL on November 13, 2024.
At just 15-years-old, she met the love of her life, Francisco “Quico” Gonzalez. From that day until she took her last breath 70 years later, they were inseparable. After having three children: Francisco (Mario), Marisa and Marisol, they moved to New Jersey in 1970 and had their fourth child, Marcelo, soon after. They helped many other family members and friends emigrate from Uruguay: housing, feeding and finding countless other ways to lift people up as they pursued the American dream. In 1985, they moved to Florida and bought 4M Food Mart in Daytona Beach. They were proud to help the community by offering affordable meals and genuine kindness there for the next 26 years.
The real story of Alba’s life, though, took place in her home, “Villa Albita.” This was the hub of her large family and the site of countless holiday parties, from massive Easter egg hunts in her sprawling backyard for her 12 grandchildren, to the most magical Christmas celebrations. She spoiled everyone in her family with her generosity and boisterous expressions of love. Her grandchildren each have memories of the funny “arguments” they’d have with Abuela over who loved who more, with Abuela always declaring herself the winner because she was older and her heart was bigger. She truly had the biggest heart, and an equally large personality. She was strong, sometimes stubborn, and gave the best advice but only when she was asked for it. Her sense of humor was her hallmark, and she was the queen of catch phrases. No matter what the topic, you could expect to hear her say, “That is the life in America!” among other go-to expressions.
Alba is survived by her husband Quico, son Marcelo, daughters-in-law Laura Gonzalez and Cathi Gonzalez, grandchildren Marci Rand, Cristian Cardozo, Christina Guglielmo, Matasia Gonzalez, Carina Cardozo, Richard Gonzalez, Sebastian Cardozo, Serratia Gonzalez, Sabrina Cardozo, Anastasia Walsh, Skyler Gonzalez and Marisa Gonzalez, 14 great-grandchildren and many other loving relatives and friends. She’s predeceased by 3 of her children: Marisa Gonzalez, Marisol Cardozo, and Mario Gonzalez. She’ll be missed forever but her love lives on in those who were lucky enough to know her.
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