Elisa Florez Gonzalez

Elisa Florez Gonzalez, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026. Born on July 9, 1929, Elisa—known affectionately as Ellie—touched the hearts of many with her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Ellie's journey was shaped by her early education in high school and secretarial school, which opened the door to a fulfilling career at Avianca Airlines. It was there she met her cherished husband, Francisco Jose Florez. Together, they shared a life filled with love and adventure until his passing. Ellie’s professional years were complemented by notable involvement in community life, including her proud memberships in the Lyons Club in Colombia and the Women’s Club of Cairo, Egypt—testaments to her spirit of service and connection.

Those who knew Ellie recall her as a wonderfully friendly and generous soul. Many in her community admired her, and her cheerful laugh and quick wit made her delightful company. She was funny and fun to be around, a presence that brightened any room. Ellie’s passions extended beyond her career and community work; she loved cooking, dining out, and especially traveling, savoring every opportunity to explore the world and create memories with loved ones.

Family was the heart of Ellie’s life. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often expressing a wish to have had even more moments to share with them. Among her living family are her daughters Patricia Florez Schwartz ,Elisa Banigan, Paulette Vandenbrande, Monica Mc Dermott, Veronica Hughes; sons-in-law Allan B Schwartz, James Banigan, JP Vandenbrande, John McDermott, Joseph Hughes; grandchildren including William Francisco Florez Schwartz, Melissa Laurence, John Georges, Monique Kakar, Candice Kakar, Faith Hughes, Catina Lesavoy, Joseph Hughes, and many great-grandchildren who carry forward her legacy of love. Her sister Lilia Rueda Gonzalez and many nieces also remain close, along with extensive family ties in Colombia, where her nieces Norma Elisa Gonzalez, Maria Mercedes Gonzalez, Marta Betty Gonzalez, Sylvia Mutis, Lilia Rueda, and Maria Lucia Florez Armela cherish her memory. Our wonderful caregivers Maria Garcia, Cecilia Quiroz, Irma Garcia & Mary Morel who are now and always part of our family. Ellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Francisco Jose Florez, her sister Betty Cabrera, and brothers Eduardo, Hernando, and Ernesto Gonzalez.

Fond memories of Ellie often involve quiet moments spent together sharing stories from her youth and earlier days—her past coming alive in the conversation and smiles she inspired. These treasured remembrances will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be held on April 9, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Frank Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, located at 327 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ. The following day, a Mass celebrating Ellie's life will commence at 11:00 AM at Madonna R.C. Church on the Hill, 2070 Hoeflys Lane, Fort Lee, NJ, followed by interment at Madonna Cemetery at 11:45 AM.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 

Elisa Florez Gonzalez’s legacy is one of a vibrant, loving woman whose life enriched her family, friends, and community. Her warm heart and joyful spirit remain an enduring light to all who knew her.