The world lost an extraordinary woman on June 13th 2026, and our hearts will never be the same.

Felicita Gonzalez was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who had the privilege of being in her orbit. Felicita emanated light and joy. With a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, she loved to laugh and make people smile. As the matriarch of a large and loving family, this humble woman of God always made room for one more. Anyone looking for a smile, a meal, a comforting hug, or even a prayer could always count on Felicita to be there. But if you played La Reina in dominoes, you could count on losing.

She was born Felicita Perez on February 14, 1925, in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. There, she met the love of her life, Julio Gonzalez, who became her husband in 1942. They moved to Lorain in 1950, where Julio secured a job at The Kasper Foundry in Elyria. Felicita embraced her life as a wife and mother, raising the beautiful family that meant everything to her. Together, Felicita and Julio raised 13 children, including being recognized as the Bowling Green State University Parents of the Year in 1980, all while building a family that would grow across generations and remain the center of Felicita’s life.

Even after raising her own children, Felicita remained devoted to caring for children. She lovingly cared for her grandchildren and provided daycare for children out of her home prior to receiving her certification to become a pre-school teacher at Lorain Head Start. Felicita could always be found with little ones around her, joyfully singing songs and making children smile.

She was a dedicated parishioner and a volunteer at Sacred Heart Chapel, La Sagrado Corazon, where she was a member of the Cursillos and Hijas de María. She was member of the Guadalupe Society, a Eucharist Minister, a catechism instructor, and the Small Church Community Senior Leader. Throughout her life, she remained a woman of deep faith, devoted to her family, her church, and her community. The last 18 years of her life were spent in Avon, living with her oldest daughter, Olga.

Her children and grandchildren once threw Felicita and Julio an enormous party to honor their 50th wedding anniversary, gathering everyone together to celebrate their love. Felicita remained married to the love of her life for 56 years, until Julio passed away on June 13th of 1998.

In June of last year, Felicita’s family gathered once again for an enormous celebration, this time in honor of her 100th birthday. Surrounded by the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends who loved her, Felicita was celebrated for the extraordinary legacy of faith, family, and love she created over the course of a century.

Felicita is survived by her eleven children, Jose Santos (the late Carmen) Gonzalez, Olga Margarita (Ruben) Garcia, Angel Antonio (Margie) Gonzalez, Andres (Juanita) Gonzalez, Orlando Rafael Gonzalez, Nilda (Linda) Ester (Evon) Carrion, Mickey Gonzalez, Ricky (Norma) Gonzalez, Margie (John) Mederer, Eric (Lisa) Gonzalez, and Gary Lee (Kim) Gonzalez; her sister, Carmen Perez and her brother Quinto Peres; her 35 grandchildren; and her countless great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julio Gonzalez; her parents, Bartolo and Asuncion Torres-Perez; brothers Miguel Perez, Ismael Perez, sisters Adela Perez, Maria Perez, and Irene Perez, her children, Julio Enrique Gonzalez and Carol Gonzalez Johnson; her daughter-in-law, Carmen Gonzalez; and her beloved grandchildren, Andrew Rene Gonzalez and Stephen Gonzalez.

After 101 remarkable years, Felicita leaves behind a legacy of deep faith, devotion to family, quiet strength, and enduring love. The family will receive friends from 3-7 PM Thursday June 18, 2026 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria (440)322-4626. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM Friday June 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart Chapel 4301 Pearl Ave. Lorain, OH 44055. The Reverend Father Alexander C. Spenik, Pastor will be the Celebrant. Please meet at church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Felicita’s memory be sent to Sacred Heart Chapel or St. Jude Children Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.