John Bligh
- Paraprofessional
- P79, East Harlem
The staff at P79 in East Harlem is mourning the loss of a very special member of their school community, 91-year-old paraprofessional Rosario Gonzalez.
Rosario was everyone’s unofficial grandmother at the District 75 school. A para for 35 years, most of them at P79, she came to work each day with enthusiasm for life and for serving others. She took special care of all the students, personally making sure their needs were met. In 2016, she was recognized by District 75 for all her years of service to her school.
“For those of us who had the good fortune of knowing and working with her, she was the grandma who encompassed a parent, a teacher and a friend,” said Chapter Leader Esther Moreno. “She was loved by the staff and the children alike.”
Colleague Ana Toribio said Rosario was always offering comforting words, morning greetings and sweets to everyone, “just some of the reasons why everyone loved her so much.” She especially remembered one detail of Rosario’s incredible life story. “Rosa spoke many times about living at 55 E. 120th St. when it was an apartment building,” said her colleague, “and how she never thought she would return to work in the same building,” which became P79.
Her granddaughter, Jasmine Gonzalez-Chavez, described Rosario as the cornerstone of the Gonzalez family. “She kept us together and made each one of us feel like we were the most special person in her life, eyes shining with love and always ready with gentle words of praise,” she said.
Inspired by her grandmother’s example, Gonzalez-Chavez became an educator and teaches 4th grade at PS 36 in the Bronx. “She was an inspiration for all, teaching us to never give up on our dreams, no matter the struggle. She was our cheerleader, coach and motivator. She was truly an amazing woman,” her granddaughter said.
Rosario raised five children and “was able to touch the hearts of each of her 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren,” her granddaughter said. “She was a blessing to all those who had the privilege to know her. To Grandma Rosa, everyone was family.”
The Gonzalez family continues to mourn our Matriarch Rosa, she spiritually touched everyone she met. She was so special to us and it is a great void to our family..it has been quite the journey for us all, losing mom and our youngest brother Carlos, he was the one with the big dog…Thank you all for your condolences, Rosa loved everyone at the school and all her friends she met along the way. Thank you all
Rosario was my father’s older sister but I never got to know her because my parents separated when I was very young. I met her son, my cousin Jose Gonzalez at my father’s funeral and got reconnected to my father’s side of the family. I knew from what her son, Jose would tell me that she was full of energy but I really get it now as I read what her co-workers and others say about her. I am enriched to hear from these people and feel closer to her albeit so late. I am proud to have her Ortiz (her maiden name) blood running through my veins. My father had a similar personality to her and I see where my love for people comes from and how I ended up working with children in the DOE. God bless you Tití (Auntie) Rosario.
So sorry for your loss of Rosario. What an amazing person she was. What a wonderful long life she lived 91 years wow! She left quite a legacy of loving children grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Ms. Rosa left me a deep void. She was very important in my life. It was like my beloved grandmother to whom I made jokes and she enjoyed it so much. Going back to school and never seeing her again will be very hard for me. I will always miss her, but I will imitate her good attitude and her great ability to let things go by offering a lot of love.
Tears in my eyes & smiling. My youngest son who uses a wheelchair went to the Dr. Horan school for two years. Ms Rosario was the best. She was always full of energy and radiated a contagious happiness. She reached out to ALL with kindness. She has her wings. Ms Rosario Gonzalez will be missed and always remembered. Condolences to the family♡
Wow! My Condolences to your Family Ms. Rosa! We worked together at M.79 during the 2016-2017 school year. Ms. Rosa was Always on top of her Game, an inspiration for all who worked with her as well as for her students. Ms. Rosa always had a warm smile and a positive attitude even when some of our students became difficult. When Ms. Rosa expressed her point of view everyone listened, without question! My heart goes out to you all. Many Blessings health and safety!
I worked with Rosario way back in the late 90’s at P79. I was a paraprofessional then. Rosario always had a beautiful and warm smile for the staff. She loved and cared for every student. Her heart was big and full of love and joy. She is one of my happy memories from working in P79, Dr. Horan School. It is with a heavy heart that I give my condolences to her family.
I didn’t know this beautiful lady but her story touched my heart. At 91 years old, she was still active in the education community. That just shows you what kind of person she was. Most people want to relax and sit back in their later years. But those who truly love what they do never really leave it. May she never be forgotten.
So heartbroken about this tragedy. My condolences to her family and school community. May she rest in peace.
OMG no! She was the best lady ever. She was 86 when I first met her, and was more energetic than anyone I ever met, including myself at 25. She was a ray of sunshine in a school of largely hostile, aggressive souls. Ms. Rosa was a total joy to work around, and I’m sure the kids in wheelchairs that she worked with loved her immensely, though they might not have been able to verbalize it. I always enjoyed passing her in the hallway- she was all smiles, all the time. She would always slip me gum in the hall, pat me on the back, give me a compliment, and occasionally a hilarious knock-knock joke. Sharp as a tack one day I saw her walking toward a Cadillac after work, right up to a guy with a very loud barking German Shepherd with big teeth, who instantly quieted in her presence. She giggled and said that’s my son, and his dog. I waved and said hello. I was floored because Ms. Gonzalez was literally a diamond in the rough. RIP
This is a tremendous loss for everyone who knew her. Her kindness was palpable. My thoughts and love are with her family! I know her spirit will always be with her loved ones.