John Bligh
- Paraprofessional
- William Cullen Bryant HS, Queens
Elena Gonzalez dedicated her career as a paraprofessional to making sure that students with special needs, especially English language learners, received the quality education they deserved.
From 2004, Elena’s dignified and steady presence graced the halls of William Cullen Bryant HS in Long Island City, Queens.
Elena served as a paraprofessional to high school students in both self-contained and integrated co-teaching classes. She helped Spanish-language students understand and complete their assignments. She planned on retiring in June 2021. She died of coronavirus on April 7 at age 68.
Elena had a low-key manner and was well-regarded throughout the school.
Elena was a UFT member for 27 years. While not an out-in-front union activist, Elena was union proud. She recognized the value of her union, understood its impact on her school community and could clearly articulate its importance to her fellow members.
Elena’s family, especially her three sons, was the centerpiece of her life. Born in the Dominican Republic, Elena embraced her heritage and loved cooking comfort foods from the island. She enjoyed traveling to Rhode Island to visit her sister and brothers. Playing Bingo brought her joy.
Elena Gonzalez will be memorialized in a private service on Wednesday, April 29, and interred at the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Elena is survived by her three sons Angel, Alfred and Argenis; her sister Dulce; her brothers Antonio, Miguel and Manuel; her grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
I had the pleasure to Elena for many years while working at Bryant HS. She was also smiling, had an infectious laugh and was always helpful to the students she worked with. She was one of my colleagues that I truly missed after I retired. She had a heart of gold and she was a consummate professional. Elena will be very missed.
Another angel gone too soon. I am an educator and it is so heart wrenching seeing all the beautiful people we have lost in the DOE. My condolences to her family . Rest in peace dear angel .
While watching the news I saw my dear friend come across the screen,my heart racing with disbelief.I had the privilege of working with Elena during the summer school ,humble,sweet,and poised woman that loved and adored her family,she told me I’d probably not see her again for retirement ,it would be her last summer!Rest in peace my friend .
Miss Gonzalez She is a good kind loving lady always have a smile we always Make her laugh in class we will miss you love Jenny ❤️❤️❤️❤️
You were a constant presence at Bryant HS, always polite, always with a smile, always a lady. When we finally go back, your presence will be surely missed. Rest in peace and may your family find the strength to deal with your loss and carry on your legacy.
Elena was a sweet person who was always at school. She worked hard and will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Elena.
I will miss this special woman. She came into our library at Bryant quite often–always with a cheerful disposition and a smile. She loved reading People En Español or any magazine we had in Spanish, so I would give her the current issue to borrow and previous issues to keep. I would often see her in the morning walking up the stairs to the school building and offer my help (she had a cane), but she would gently refuse because she liked doing it on her own. Whenever I saw her in the elevator, we would chat a bit until we reached our floors. She was kind, gentle, caring, and she loved her students. Descansa en paz, Elena.
So sorry. She sounds like an amazing woman. I admire all she gave to the community of students and faculty at Bryant High. I didn’t know her but I wish I did. I’m 64 years old and graduated in 1974. God bless her and her family. May she rest easy.
Joanie Burkhardt
I retired from Bryant in 2013, and I still have fond memories of Ms. Gonzalez. She was kind, caring and devoted to the students in her care. It was a joy observing her interacting and nurturing the students and always with that amazing smile. Sometimes I will ask Mr. Juan Reyes how is she faring climbing those stairs. Elena will surely be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and students. May her soul rest in peace.
Ms. Gonzalez was an amazing women she had a smile on her face. I will always remember how her and I spoke every morning and I will never forget the advice she gave me May God Bless her and her family in this tough time ❤️
Ms Gonzalez will be missed… her kind hearted smile and love for her students brought cheer to my classroom. My condolences. May she rest in peace
So heartbreaking, she was a friend of my sister, RIP
Elena—I am so very sorry!! You were a lovely woman, & it was a pleasure to work with you at Bryant HS. When I think of you, I visualize your sweet smiling face.
I was so grateful that you acknowledged my retirement last year. I know you worked so hard. I wish you had the opportunity to retire so you could have enjoyed your golden years. RIP!!
Wonderful Lady! Elena was always so friendly and kind to me. She will be missed at Bryant High School. May God Bless her family . My condolences.
I love you titi/ godmother!!! I thank God for your love and care for me. Say hello to Geo and abuelita y mi abuelo. I promise to check on the boys and love them like you loved me❤️❤️❤️.
So heartbreaking, she was a friend of my sister, RIP