Obituary of Gloria J. Gonzalez

Warrensburg: Gloria J. “Bunny” Bennett Gonzalez, 80, of Theresa James Street passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Adirondack Tri-Country Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Born June 20, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Maher) Dorner. As a young child growing up in Hoboken, she spent a lot of time with her grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousin, Philip, always taking in a Broadway show or a good ball game. She attended Catherine Gibbs Finishing School in Manhattan before moving to the Adirondacks with her father, where it didn’t take her long to adjust to the Adirondack lifestyle; she loved Lake George and the beautiful surrounding mountains. She worked at her father’s business, Blue Bird Bakery when she wasn’t in school or involved in her many extracurricular activities. She was a baton twirler in the school band, who also loved the outdoors, sports, skiing, skating, golf, bowling, and boating. Bunny was also a self taught artist. She married Thomas Bennett and was employed as a server and bartender at many Lake George establishments, then for the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. She later married Benjamin Gonzalez and the couple would spend summers in her beloved Lake George and winters in Hollywood, FL. They moved back to Warrensburg permanently in 1988, when she became instrumental in forming Operation Reindeer, an organization that assists townspeople struggling to provide a memorable Christmas for their family. This organization operated for 25 years until she became too ill with cancer. Bunny was a giver who never complained, and appeared to be the perfect person. She was awarded citizen of the year in 2008 for her volunteer charity work. She was full of life and loved people and to entertain her friends and family. She enjoyed spending time with her children, who claim their time was always filled with lots of love, laughter, and fun adventures. Bunny was kind to all of those who crossed her path. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her step-mother, Mae Dorner, a sister, Catherine Elphick, and her first husband, Thomas Bennett. She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Benjamin Gonzalez of Warrensburg; her children, Jillane Duell and her husband, Terry of Warrensburg, Thomas Bennett and his wife, Dawn of Thurman, Heidi Baker and her husband, John of Thurman, and John Bennett of Warrensburg; one step-son, Benjamin “Blanca” Gonzalez of Mirimar, FL; grandchildren, Justin Duell and his companion, Kelly Rafferty, Joshua Duell and his wife, Jaime, Shane Baker and his companion, Raelynn Brown, Gloria Bennett, and Jason, Lizette, and Tiffany Gonzalez; great-grandchildren, Braley, Kellen, Konner, and Kawliga Duell, and Shane and Masyn Baker. She also leaves behind two brothers, Arthur Lemp and his wife, Alice, and William Lemp and his wife, Cathy; lifelong friends, Sandra Sawyer and her husband, Rolland and Verna Springer and her husband, Herb; the most important male love in her life, “P2”, her beloved cat; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Bunny’s request, there will be no calling hours scheduled. Burial will take place privately in Warrensburg Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to join the family in celebrating her beautiful life at 3:00 pm, Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Haskell Brothers VFW, Post 4821, Main Street, Warrensburg. Pall bearers will be Justin, Josh, and Terry Duell, Shane and John Baker, and John Bennett, with honorary bearers, Gloria Bennett and Donnie Baker. Bunny’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her wonderful caregivers, Dr. Kerdenster, Dr. Sponzo, Jean VanAuken, Dr. Way, Dr. David Judkins, Susan Prosser, Warren County Nurse, Lisa, and the staff at Adirondack Tri-County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion throughout her illness. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Gloria’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Operation Santa Claus, c/o Florence LaPoint, Library Ave., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.