Florence Barbara Gonzalez

Florence Barbara Gonzalez born in San Antonio, Texas, February 20, 1927 went to be with our Lord on November 30, 2017 after a lengthy illness. She had resided at Morningside Manor for the last 7 months. Mrs. Gonzalez graduated from Thomas Edison High School, attended Brackenridge School of Nursing in Austin, Texas and participated in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Nursing Program. She graduated as a Diploma nurse, passed her State Board of Nurses Examination, and became a Registered Nurse. Mrs. Gonzalez served the diabetic population of the West Side. Several doctors utilized Mrs. Gonzalez bilingual nursing skills to teach their patients how to care for themselves and in some areas she was fondly known as "la enfermera del West Side". In addition, she frequently delivered hot coffee and tacos to the homeless. She worked for the Saenz Clinic, where she led the way for hospital accreditation and expanded the clinic from 15 beds to nearly double the bed capacity. Mrs. Gonzalez worked at several local hospitals specializing in Women's Health, Administration and Central Supply Services. Mrs. Gonzalez practiced nursing for over 30 years. Upon retirement, she dedicated herself to her family and community. Mrs. Gonzalez and her husband of 64 years, Julian L. Gonzalez advocated for Senior Citizens and Health Care Issues. They frequently attended legislative sessions in Austin to discuss Senior Citizen issues with various Representatives. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Council of Bexar County and the Alamo Area Council of Governments. Mrs. Gonzalez was described by her family as a strong and faithful woman who was ahead of her time. She taught her daughters how to be graceful, bold, obedient and compassionate. She was an avid reader, could easily engage anyone in discussion, and often befriended complete strangers. She was an Arts lover and was often caught singing and whistling tunes of Bach, Mozart, Bocelli and Beethoven. In her final days she was surrounded by her family and had a beautiful and peaceful death. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. As well as her husband, she is survived by daughters, Diane G. Sonora (Juan), Barbara G. Perez and Julianna G. Velez (Alex); 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. A rosary will be recited at 7pm on December 12th at Porter Loring North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East 78232. The Funeral Procession will leave at 10:45 am and proceed to St. Anthony de Padua for an 11:30 mass on Wednesday, December 13th with interment following at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.