Zoraida (Hernandez) Gonzalez

Zoraida Gonzalez, a cherished matriarch, and a beacon of strength, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Wayne, New Jersey, at the age of 79. Born on December 5, 1945, in the picturesque town of Lares, Puerto Rico, Zoraida's journey led her from the warmth of the Caribbean to the vibrant community of Paterson New Jersey, where she established her legacy.

Zoraida was a woman of remarkable resilience and joy. Her early years in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, were filled with the love of a close-knit family, and in 1956, she embarked on a new chapter as she emigrated to Paterson, New Jersey. It was there that she would meet her devoted husband, Geraldino Gonzalez, and together they built a life rich in love and shared experiences.

Zoraida's professional life was marked by dedication and hard work. For 40 years, she was a respected employee at Sealy Mattress Co. in Paterson, where her leadership and commitment to excellence as a supervisor left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the company. Her work ethic was unparalleled, and she approached every task with a sense of purpose and pride.

Beyond her professional achievements, Zoraida was a woman of many interests. She kept her mind active and engaged with word search puzzles, a hobby that brought her much joy and satisfaction. Her adventurous spirit would occasionally lead her to Atlantic City, where she delighted in the sounds and lights of the slot machines, celebrating each small victory with the same enthusiasm she brought to every aspect of her life.

Zoraida's indomitable spirit was matched by her unwavering love for her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Geraldino; her daughter, Mirian Gonzalez-Tanis, and son-in-law, David Tanis, along with his son, Jordan; her son, Bryant Gonzalez, his wife, Karen Valdez-Gonzalez, and their children, Natalia and Xavier. Her sister, Sonia Rios, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws, including Claudina, Emma, and Antonia Hernandez, as well as Frank and Carmen Perez, Ramona Figueroa, and Santos and Myriam Gonzalez, will all hold her memory dear. Zoraida was predeceased by her brothers, Daniel, Pedro, Hector, Guillermo, and Carlos Hernandez, whose memories she treasured deeply.

Zoraida's life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of a life well-lived. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her memory will be a guiding light for her family and friends. As we bid farewell to Zoraida Gonzalez, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the enduring impact she has left on the world. Her spirit, love, and laughter will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at 12 noon from the funeral home followed by a 12:30 pm Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Entombment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org or Alzheimer’s Association, 23 Vreeland Rd., #105, Florham Park, NJ 07932 www.alz.org. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary.

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