Judith Ann Gonzalez (“Judi”, “Mom,” “Gigi”) passed away on September 20, 2024. She was born in Syracuse, NY on February 6, 1949 to her loving parents Wiliam and Dorothy Burke.
Although Judi was an only child she was always surrounded by so many family and friends. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Ricardo J. Gonzalez who was the love of her life and best friend. She was the cherished mother of: Nicole Gonzalez, Nina (Gonzalez) Mancinelli and her husband Louis, and Vanessa (Gonzalez) Romero and her husband Milton all of Dedham. Judi also leaves behind her five beloved grandchildren who she so dearly loved and enjoyed as their precious “Gigi”: Lucia and Liana Florio, Sofia and Lydia Mancinelli and Santiago (Santi) Romero, all of Dedham. She had a loving and doting relationship with her late father-in-law Feliciano “Belo” Gonzalez who spent 21 wonderful years living in her household, where he would jokingly say, “she is my daughter and Ricardo is my son-in-law!”
Judi also treasured her 60 year deep friendship with her best friend Deborah Wager. Her relationship with both the Gonzalez and McKinney families always held such a special place in her heart as did visiting Puerto Rico to see relatives and friends. She cherished her bonds with her Dedham mom-friends, raising her kids together with some of the most wonderful families a mother could ask for. Time spent on the sports fields enthusiastically cheering on her daughters and granddaughters were also accompanied by meeting and greeting new and old faces.
Judi’s early adult years were spent attending Syracuse University and then later making her way to Boston to attend Chamberlain College. In Boston she met her future husband who she so fondly called “Card” or “Pooh.” Set up on a blind date, the two hit it off in November 1969 and were inseparable ever since. Having met on a Friday, he professed his love by Monday. They were married in September 1970 and had their first child (“Coco”) the following September. Being so young and without a career path yet, her true calling became being a mom and homemaker. It was from this moment on where she went above and beyond to create a home where she always welcomed family and friends, learned the art of cooking, decor, gardening, and adding the special Judi/Mom/Gigi touch. Her home on Abbott Road was the hub of all gatherings large and small. From the traditional Christmas Eve, to birthday parties, showers, anniversaries and events, no one was a stranger and her door was always open. In her later years, the same held true for her home on Circuit Road.
As her children grew up, Judi found great joy in teaching precious 3-year-olds at the Norwood Cooperative Nursery School. Her love of art and music shined through as she fostered learning through song and creation. The families she met along the way would still seek her out 30+ years later to let her know what an impact she had on their life.
In recent years, Judi so thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings on the coast of Maine. Vacationing with all 12 Gonzalez/Florio/Mancinelli/Romero members was such a light in her life, making memories and having unique bonds with her three daughters “Nee, Ness, Nick…oh whoever you are!” and games, laughter and lots of ice cream with her grandkids. A signature homemade ice cream cake was always at the center of a family birthday as well as attention to detail in all her special cards, gifts and words of wisdom: “always make time for family and others.”
Judi’s deep faith was a guiding light and inspiration to her family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed being a Eucharisitic minister and bringing joy to the residents at Charter Senior Living. Judi found great solace and comfort at St. Mary’s and at the adoration chapel. She lived a life of love, passion and devotion to her family, faith, friends and neighbors. There was never an ounce of malice but a heart full of compassion, joy and generosity. She lived a life of simple dignity that was dedicated to serving others including the selfless gift of life through the donation of her organs. With her own magical touch, the ordinary became extraordinary in her presence.
A celebration of life with a memorial mass will be held in Judi’s honor on Thursday, October 3, at 9:00 am at Saint Mary’s Church (420 High Street in Dedham). All are welcome to attend. Following the service will be a gathering at St Mary’s to share memories, embraces and light refreshments. Judi lived her life in color, with an animated smile and laugh, attentiveness to the person spending time with, decorating, cooking, etc. She loved all types of blue (her signature hue in all different shades) and so please join us in honoring the full of life and vibrant woman that she was by dressing in joyful colors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary’s Church in Dedham.