With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elsa Cristina Gonzalez, age 85, of Lakeland, who entered eternal rest on May 5, 2026. Elsa was born in Havana on April 15, 1941, to the late Asterio Fuentes and Maria Margarita Lorenzo.

In 1968, Elsa, along with her beloved husband, Roberto, and daughter Cristina, immigrated from Cuba to the United States in search of a better future. Through determination, resilience, and unwavering faith, they built a beautiful life together and later welcomed their second daughter, Barbara, into the family. Elsa pursued her education while raising her family, earning a degree in Accounting and dedicating many years to a successful career in the field until her retirement.

Elsa was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished Grammy and Great-Grandmother, and a loyal friend to many. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she served the Lord wholeheartedly through the many ministries and activities she participated in at her church. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generosity, and the deep love she shared with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roberto Gonzalez, and her cherished canine companions, Mitchie, Rambo, and Happy.

Elsa leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her daughters, Cristina Gonzalez and Barbara Santander; Barbara’s husband Ricardo; her granddaughters, Alexis Breuil, Kaitlyn Breuil, and Eve Frantzis and husband Alex; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Liam Layton, Eftalia (Effie) Frantzis, and Andreas Frantzis.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7450 Stirling Road, Hollywood, Florida 33024.

A Graveside Service will follow at 1:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Dade North, 1301 Opa-Locka Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33167.

Arrangements are entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Elsa’s memory to Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA at PWSAUSA.org.