Aura Celia Gonzalez

Aura Celia Gonzalez entered this world on September 25th, 1933, in Rincon, Puerto Rico. She was born in a quaint house perched on a cliff overlooking  the location where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meets. Raised by her parents Maria Perez and Eusebio Ruiz, along with her six siblings, Aura's childhood was filled with the simple joys of family life.

At the age of five, Aura embarked on a new chapter when her family moved from Puerto Rico to New York City. Their journey led them to Spanish Harlem, where Aura's upbringing was characterized by hard work, unity, and faith.  Baptized and raised Catholic, she embraced her religious upbringing throughout her life.

Money was scarce in Aura's childhood, prompting her to develop a love for sewing at an early age. Despite the lack of resources for toys and clothing, Aura found joy in creating dresses for her dolls out of rags and repurposed fabrics. This hobby would later evolve into a profession that brought her fulfillment and success.

While in New York City Aura began her education, attending grammar school, elementary school, and in 1948 entered high school. Aura was accepted and attended the Caravel High School of Commerce on West 65th Street in NYC.  She graduated with a 90% average on June 27th 1952 at the age of eighteen with a High School Diploma and a Occupation Training Certificate. Prior to graduation she was accepted for employment by the New York Life Insurance Company and began employment with the organization on July 1st 1952; four days after graduation.

Aura met the love of her life, Jose Antonio, when she was 19 years old and married him in 1955. They started their family with having their first child, Luisa, in 1956, their second child, Theresa, in 1965, and their third child, Joseph, in 1971. They moved from New York City to Waldwick, NJ in 1965, where they established their home and raised their three children; a home that created lasting memories.

Tragedy struck in 1983 when Aura's beloved husband passed away unexpectedly. This unexpected loss put her into survival mode, as she fought tooth and nail to ensure that her children had what they needed for a happy and healthy upbringing. Despite this devastating loss; Aura remained resilient, dedicating herself to providing for her children and instilling in them  the values necessary for success.  Aura always instilled the importance of education and hard work in her children.

The most important thing on this earth to her was her family, and her devotion and love for them, both immediate and extended, was immeasurable.

She always saw the good in people. She was beautiful, had a wonderful sense of style, and loved to dress for the occasion, but had no problem putting on her work pants, getting dirty, and getting outside to do yard work to beautify her home. She wanted the best for her family and her home was a place for her family to assemble, a place to be proud of, and a place to enjoy.  She always made people feel welcome and was the most gracious host.

Although she was a full-time homemaker, Aura enjoyed using her sewing skills as a local seamstress and offered her services to those in the local community. Her sewing talents ranged from repairs, to basic hems, prom dresses, wedding dresses, and window treatments. Her talent and work product spoke for themselves, and Aura quickly earned a long list of regular clients. But sewing wasn’t her only hobby and she enjoyed creating floral arrangements, knitting, and cooking.

She lived life to the fullest and was always open to an adventure. She loved to travel when she could, enjoying the beauty of the tropics, culture, and people. 

Over the years Aura loved and nurtured her pets, just as her children, and had a special fondness for cats.  Ricky, her current rescue, fell perfectly into her nurturing hands. For many years they kept each other company, and still to this day, Ricky is loyal to his owner.  

Aura had an infectious smile that made you feel recognized and appreciated. She was blessed to have three loyal and dedicated children who made sure her needs were met in all stages of life, and she was eternally grateful to have beloved family close by who visited and checked in on her. 

Aura was a God loving, nurturing, strong willed, dedicated, beautiful and irreplaceable person, and her family takes comfort in knowing she will spend eternity with God, and her beloved husband. She was incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and they in turn love her dearly and feel incredibly blessed to have had her in their lives.

Mama we are going to miss you beyond words, and we will never forget the impact you made. Thank you for sharing your unconditional love. 

Aura Celia Gonzalez, 90, of Waldwick NJ, died peacefully on April 18th 2024 
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Jose Antonio Gonzalez (June 14th 1983) 
Devoted mother to Luisa Antoine, Theresa Borovskis, and Joseph Gonzalez.  
Cherished grandmother / great grandmother to James, Carly, Elena, Emily, Grant, Phillip and Charlotte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aura Gonzalez Memorial Fund c/o the City of Orange Fire Department FMBA, Local 210, 419 Central Avenue, Orange, NJ 07050.

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