Celebrate Marta Iris Gonzalez's Life and Legacy
Donation protected
It is with deeply broken hearts that The O’Brian Family shares, on behalf of The Gonzalez Family; the passing of Marta Iris Gonzalez on 09/10/24. Sadly, after caring full time for her mother, Raida Elitha Gonzalez; who joined the Lord less than 6 months prior; Marta’s own health deteriorated greatly. It was during kidney dialysis that Marta’s heart failed.
Marta was no stranger to grief having lost her Father, Jesus Manuel Gonzalez at the age of two, her brother Jesus Manuel Gonzalez in 2006, and her infant son; Roberto Jesus Gonzalez in 1998, and as mentioned previously her dear mother on December 4, 2023.
Yet, just as pictured, Marta never let her own suffering dampen her smile or compassion for others. She lived with a zest for life and brought that into all that she did. She was a longtime employee of the Corning Children's Center where she shaped the minds and bodies of so many young people now soaring in our communities and beyond. She played a huge role in our own children's lives - Brenna our baby in Heaven had the joy of learning from and loving Marta at the Center from infancy through graduation. Seamus and Izzy got to visit with Marta at many happy gatherings and, thus, we selected Marta as Izzy's Godmother. We are confident that our Brenna greeted sweet Marta with open arms, as did her family that went before her to prepare her place.
Marta had much to smile about; many many friends, a sister, Marixa who was like a twin to her, and her pride and joy, Alejandro. Yes, Marta leaves behind her son in his early twenties; a son with whom she had the most special relationship. She was also extremely close with her nieces and nephews as mentioned in the obituary.
Whether in the field of early childhood, or medicine and beyond, Marta was the Lord's servant and she made that evident in every relationship she had. Her work was always in high needs service industries. She was also a heck of a good time, and we feel blessed like so many to have had her as part of our family. We remember her coming into our sweet Brenna's calling hours when she was already carrying so much with her mother's and her own health struggles, but she was a giver. She wouldn't have missed the opportunity to hold us during such a difficult time and to be there for her sweet Goddaughter, Izzy O'Brian, who followed in Marta's footsteps and now proudly teaches at the Corning Children Center, just celebrating her 3rd anniversary.
Like many, we wish we could get just one more of those hugs, but you will have the opportunity to do that for her family at the services, and your donation will make those services possible. I understand there is often hesitancy with Go Fund Me pages because of so many who take advantage of situations. Yet, if you truly knew Marta and her family, you know they come from very humble, yet proud, beginnings and would give their last cent to another in need. If you are not comfortable donating, please keep this beautiful family in your prayers. As parents who have lived through child loss, we can say surviving children are often unintentionally overlooked, so please pray especially for the amazing young man she leaves to carry on her legacy, Alejandro. Jenny fondly remembers running into Alejandro and his family at a service event where he was being recognized...it's in his blood.
Many thanks to all who added to Marta's life, there are so, so many hugs, smiles, belly laughs and more to celebrate as we pray for Marta's seamless transition to her Heavenly home with our Lord. Thank you for your time and consideration. May we all greet one another with the smiles that Marta so openly shared.
Organizer
Kevin OBrian
Organizer
Elmira, NY