Obituary of Edna T. Gonzalez

We celebrate the long and full life of Edna T. Gonzalez, 87, of Manchester, Connecticut. Edna was born on November 13, 1935 in Cartagena, Colombia. She died peacefully on May 23, 2023, surrounded by her family. Edna lived her life with integrity, loyalty, and compassion. She was a fierce warrior and a woman of faith with exquisite taste.  She provided comfort and solace while asking for little in return and was a role model in her community. 

In 1969, with unwavering determination, she moved from Colombia to New York City, and eventually settled in Connecticut with her family, where she created a loving home and provided her children with boundless opportunities.

A hard-working woman, Edna was devoted to her job and creating more opportunity for those she supported. Edna worked at Heublein for 28 years.  Her dedication and passion were evident in all that she did and this example imbued her family with the confidence necessary to pursue life with vigor and perseverance.

Edna’s greatest joy and source of pride was her role as matriarch of her family. She lovingly and single handedly raised seven children, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; she instilled in them values of love, perseverance, and compassion. Edna was the foundation of the family, representing support, stability, and care across the generations and bridging two countries. With her roots in Colombia, her branches extended across to the United States. 

Edna had a daily prayer ritual in which she would pray for every person in the family tree, including special requests for those with celebrations or sorrows. To know her was to be loved by her, and to be loved by her was to be in her prayers. Edna’s Catholic faith was an integral part of her life, and she attended Mass regularly, finding solace and strength in her spiritual connection. As a loyal member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Hartford and as a leader in her congregation she was an example of a woman driven by her purpose and faith in God.
 

Edna had impeccable comedic timing and a beautiful laugh! Her wit was razor sharp and she could simultaneously make you laugh and shift your perspective with her irreverent and brazen sense of humor. She would always challenge those around her to be the best version of themselves. Although fiercely independent and private she had a heart of gold and was courageously vulnerable with those closest to her. She was kind, generous, and compassionate and would never hesitate to give her last dollar to someone in need.

In her leisure time, Edna found joy in the company of her friends, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories from the church to the casino. These friendships extended over decades as they journeyed through life together, providing strength and humor through the cycles of life.

Edna leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Emilse Ballestas and husband Hector Cortes, Arnoldo Ballestas II, Martha Ballestas, Maria Noguera and husband Jesus, Jacqueline Ballestas, Liliana Cuevas and husband Angel, Patricia Loukas, and husband George; thirteen grandchildren, Irma, Karen, Kathy, Sabrina, Kayla, Vanessa, Jonathan, Steve, Arnold III, Antonio, Alexia, Giovan, Victoria; and five great-grandchildren, Abrianna, Anthony, Ricardo, Alyzah, and Isabella; her siblings, relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Maria Piñeres and Pedro Arnedo, her sisters Graciela Arnedo Ortiz, Rosario Arnedo Hernández, Yadira Arnedo and brother Rocky Arnedo Piñeres.

Edna’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories she shared and the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her quick wit and ability to give everyone a nickname that perfectly captured the person. She will also be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother.

Edna will be deeply missed by all those that she’s left behind. Although we are heartbroken by the unexpectedness of her passing we are comforted by her long lasting impact on our lives. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 79 New Park Ave, Hartford. Following the mass, the mausoleum entombment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Rd. Glastonbury. Relatives and friends may pay their respects to the family Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury. The family kindly requests donations in Edna’s name to:  https://raise.stjude.org/inmemoryofedna. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.