Dorothy A Gonzalez

When reflecting on the life of Dorothy Gonzalez, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and generosity, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Dorothy greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moment. She poured her heart and soul into all that she did, and her unshakeable faith formed the foundation of her life. Deeply missed, Dorothy will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew her best.

The late 1930s are remembered as a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the world. The Great Depression still loomed over the country, and while many families struggled to make ends meet, tensions surrounding WWII were quickly reaching a boiling point. During this dark time, there was a ray of light for Joseph and Ann Garvis of Vintondale, Pennsylvania, as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their fifth child. On September 14, 1939, their wait was over, and they welcomed their daughter, Dorothy Ann, into the world.

Growing up, Dorothy was a typical young girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home in Vintondale, a small coal mining town, alongside her four older siblings, Robert, Edward, Elizabeth, and George. Much of Dorothy’s family lived in Vintondale as well, so she was surrounded by family members and close friends, creating a tight-knit and caring community. From a young age, Dorothy enjoyed entertaining herself and playing with friends. She built a dam in the creek to create her own swimming hole, loved roasting hot dogs at bonfires, and playing red-light, green-light until the street lights came on and it was time to head home. Throughout her childhood, Dorothy attended local schools and graduated in 1957 as the salutatorian of her class. She then went on to pursue her education at Cambria Rowe Business College, earning a degree in accounting and business.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Dorothy as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Raul Gonzalez, and the two first met at Cambria Rowe Business College. There was an instant spark between them, and it didn’t take them long to realize that they were truly soulmates. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Dorothy and Raul were married in 1960, stepping into their bright future as husband and wife.

All who knew Dorothy can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Raul were overjoyed to welcome their two beloved daughters, Karen and Kathi, into their hearts and home. Dorothy thrived in her role as a mother, and she was very involved in the lives of her daughters. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well. Dorothy adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Over the years and the many moves she made with her family, Dorothy also grew close to several good friends and built friendships that would last a lifetime. She always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

All throughout her life, Dorothy leaned on her faith in both good times and bad. During the twenty years the Gonzalez family spent in Lawrenceburg, she was an active member of Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church. Dorothy served as both vice president and a circle leader in her church. Along with two of her best friends, Lorraine and Fran, she ran a lunch program to benefit the elderly within the church and the entirety of the community. Dorothy was very involved in Bible studies, mission projects, and outreach for her church. She also established a visitation mission called Wings. Once they settled down in Auburn, Indiana, to care for Raul’s health, Dorothy quickly became a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Auburn.

Dorothy was a dedicated member of her community as well. In Lawrenceburg, she was given the opportunity to participate in a library program that taught adults to read. Dorothy often volunteered her time at local hospitals, focusing on children’s safety and nutritional needs. She loved being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, and she would spend the holidays shopping for children in need. Dorothy always had a passion for serving the elderly, and both she and her husband, Raul, frequently served in nursing homes.

Never one to sit still for long, Dorothy pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She worked part time to help support her family. For 10 years, Dorothy was a deputy auditor for the auditor’s office for Dearborn County. After her husband retired, she left her job so that they could enjoy retirement together. Dorothy and Raul traveled to Spain twice, once with their grandchildren. They also visited and explored Australia along with their daughter, Kathi. Dorothy loved jigsaw puzzles and reading books, and she enjoyed baking treats for her loved ones.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Dorothy Gonzalez truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Dorothy was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was a serving member of her church and her community, and her primary focus in life was building close and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Dorothy leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Dorothy A. Gonzalez, 84, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at her home. She is survived by two daughters, Karen (Ronald) Brezik of Beech Grove, Indiana and Kathi Gonzalez of Rome City, Indiana; grandchildren, Daniel (Mara) Brezik of Indianapolis, Indiana and Sarah Brezik of Denver, Colorado; great granddaughter, Hannah Brezik of Indianapolis, Indiana; brothers, George Garvis of Calabash, North Carolina, and Ed (Barb) Garvis of Maryland; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Raul S. Gonzalez; parents, Joseph, and Ann Garvis; brother, Bob Garvis; and sister, Betty Sulosky. A funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 1:00 p.m. with visitation two hours prior from 11-1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2023 at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Pastor Matt Bock will be officiating. Burial will be held in Christian Union Cemetery, Garrett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Auburn to help support the Wednesday night meal program. If making a donation, please reference the meal program on the check memo line. To sign the online guest book, visit www.pinningtonfh.com.