Maria Gonzalez

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Maria ‘Lela’ Gonzalez, who left this world on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the age of 93. Maria is predeceased by her devoted husband, José Gonzalez. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Maria Elena, and her son, José Luis, and adored by her grandchildren Rebecca (Brent), Rachael (Jesse), Stacey, and Lindsay (Travis). Her great grandchildren, Sofia and Leo (Rachel), and Henry and Norah (Lindsay), were the light of her life.

Born in Spain on May 28, 1932, Maria’s courageous spirit and resilience inspired her to travel to Brazil on her own so she could work and support her family back home. It was there where she met her husband and began building a new life and raising a family. Canada became the place she would proudly call home, where generations of her family would grow, and her legacy would blossom in love and laughter. In her final years Maria was deeply blessed to have her daughter by her side as a live-in caregiver, providing daily comfort and support, and unwavering love and compassion.

Her family is left to carry her love forward. The love she gave and the lessons she taught will be passed down to future generations so she will be remembered by those who are never blessed to know her. We are truly grateful for the memories she has left behind and will cherish them forever.

We invite you to join us in celebrating a life well lived at the visitations on Thursday, May 21, at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, (between Bayshore and Baseline Road), Nepean. An early visitation will be held at 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and a late visitation will be held at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Saint Anthony of Padua, 427 Booth Street, on Friday, May 22, at 11:00 am. Interment at Pinecrest cemetery, 2500 Baseline Road, will follow. Guests are invited to join the family for a light luncheon at the Penthouse of 3100 Carling Avenue following the internment.

For those wishing to donate in lieu of flowers, we ask that you please support Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind by making a monetary donation in her honour.