Edna Marie Gonzalez

Edna Marie Gonzalez, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Ecorse, Michigan on April 7, 1948, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ballard Cecil and Naomi Rose Johnson.

Edna’s life was defined by her unwavering love for family and her remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel seen, remembered, and celebrated. Whether it was a birthday, graduation, sporting event, or simple gathering, Edna was always there—never missing a moment that mattered. She had a gift for remembering the smallest details, often surprising loved ones with their favorite meals or thoughtful gestures that showed just how much she cared.

She shared a beautiful love story with her husband, John Gonzalez, whom she met by chance while watching a fire on Jefferson Avenue in Delray. What began as a spontaneous encounter—hopping into a car with John and a mutual friend—blossomed into a loving marriage that spanned 60 wonderful years.

Edna dedicated over 48 years of her life as a Senior Tax Analyst with H&R Block. She took great pride in her work and the relationships she built there, often referring to her coworkers as family. Even when retirement was within reach, she chose to continue working each tax season, driven by her passion and commitment.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—traveling to places like New Orleans, Boston, and Kentucky, visiting loved ones in West Virginia, and enjoying the unique experience of traveling by train. She loved shopping (especially with her girls), baking, playing bingo, and listening to Elvis Presley. Christmas at Grandma Edna’s was nothing short of magical, with elaborate decorations, stockings filling the room, and a warmth that brought everyone together.

Above all, Edna cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest pride was the close-knit family she helped build and nurture.

Edna is survived by her loving husband, John Gonzalez; her children, John Gonzalez Jr. (Maria), Patricia Ybarra, and Pamela Gonzalez; her seven grandchildren, John Gonzalez III (Kelsey), Matthew Gonzalez (Liliana), Nick Gonzalez, Javie Ybarra Jr. (Kaitlyn), Alexis Gonzalez (Hunter Morse), Sara Ybarra (Pete Dauphin), and Vinny Gonzalez; and her four great-grandchildren, Aliah Gonzalez, Giovanni Gonzalez, Ellie Ybarra, and Sofia Ybarra. She is also survived by her sisters, Jacky Smith and Geri Kinsman.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Cecil and Ronald Cecil.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home, where a Prayer and Memory Share will take place at 7:00 PM.

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Edna will lie in state at 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Allen Park. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery.

Edna will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely and the traditions she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Foster Care Support Foundation in Edna's memory.