Elsie Gonzalez

I love you, Elsie. I always will. When young and still searching the darkness of youth you were a bright, smiling light, showing me that happiness is not something you achieve but that you live every day. Your smile is indelibly with me. Thank you for Francine and the shine that continues to radiate in her, her husband and your lovely granddaughter. This world has been greatly improved by you and continues to be.

I was lucky and am very grateful to have known Elsie when I was growing up in San Diego. Elsie was so vibrant, funny, respectful and a very kind human being. She will truly be missed!

Sending BIG, BIG HUGS to Francine and family!

Kim and familia

Well...... where do I start? Elsie was family. She was not only a really good friend, but a confident, a mentor even. I have so much to say but yet still so little because quite frankly I'm really devastated by the loss of one of the most beautiful people I've ever met in my life. For many years I was Elsies driver and took her to work & the things we saw, the things we talk about, you wouldn't believe! And laugh? Yup she laughed with me a lot. I do remember that. She put a smile on my face when I couldn't find one anywhere! At some of my worst times too. (okay, most of the time she told me to "suck it up Gar!") lol I'm gonna miss her so much. When 9/11 hit, Elsie and I were together. We leaned on each other for support in a time where we were all looking for that kind of support. A friendly face everyday can work wonders. We even went to restaurants together and so much more. She'd always always call me on my bday cause hers is 4 days later and of course I'd call her. :) I'm sooooo glad I got to tell her last month that I'm WINNING the battle against obesity, we talked and talked thru the years about losing and we even lost one of our best best friends, Pete Groves 10 years ago and it scared us. :( I really don't know what else to say I could talk forever and I'm not sure when this will cut me off. I love you Elsie. I love you so much, this sucks, I don't like it, and damn Els. Smh (I can hear her now, "whats that mean gar?") :-/

Dear Fran,

May Elsie's memory be for a blessing.

She's already been greatly missed here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since you guys moved on. She was a trendsetter in fashion -- the sparkly red specs, brightly- hued stockings, and regular cell phone user.

Her artistic bent really took off whenever a new program perked her fancy, especially in her do-it-yourself mode

Elsie's artwork stood proudly at our in-house gallery here and at the local seniors' display. She was a regular at Reform services, movie nights, bursting into song whenever any of her pals started it off.

Elsie put a smile on your face whenever she entered the room cracking jokes. She bragged on you and Alex and Rachel all the time - good works, talents, and kindnesses to her.

Her stories of visiting many of the world's treasures, natural or human-made were fascinating

Her affection for visiting students wasl amazing ... Public school students, religious school kids, nurseses in training...

Be well. We'll remember Elsie warmly.

Love & sunshine,

I am so sorry for your loss. My favorite memories are just seeing all the pictures posted of the bind Rachel and Elsie had. Elsie always lit up when Rachel was around and watching her grow and develope into who she is. The love of a grandmother is something specific and you could tell she loved it. Thinking of all of you right now.

You were the most traveled and smartest woman I knew. I know you're up with your old friend David and many others now, laughing and talking. I hope there's comfort for you now, and cats!

I feel blessed to have known Elsie. The world is better place for her having been a part. My heart goes out to my dear friend Francine and her family as they endure the loss of a treasured mother, grandmother and friend.
Love and hugs from San Diego,
Leslie Brock

Momma Cat, I will never forget you. Thank you for everything. All the laughs, good times munching down watching our favorite shows, your the smartest woman I've ever met, you we're google before google, and I'll never forget your laugh.I Love You. I will think of you everyday. I will miss you. Rest peacfully dear.~ Ricky

I am very sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman, mother and grandmother. She will be missed. I love seeing all the pictures of all her interactions with Rachel, you can tell she loved being a grandmother. Rest in peace Elsie!

Francine..iam so sorry to hear of your loss of your mother.. You will be in my prayers..