Maria Concepcion Mendez Velazquez De Gonzalez, also lovingly known by many names such as Whella, was a deeply loving, selfsacrificing, kind, and beautiful soul who impacted every life she met through her undying love for the Lord and her family. She was born on December 15, 1944, to her loving parents, Jose B. Mendez and Carmen Lidia Mendez Velazquez, in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Maria met and married her husband, Julio Gonzalez, on December 12, 1969, while living in Caguas. To their union, their daughter, Aitza Marie Gonzalez, was born. Whella and her husband, Julio, resided in Caguas, Puerto Rico, for some time before relocating to San Juan in her early adult years. She eventually relocated to Florida, where she spent most of her adult life, settling in Ocoee.

Maria was a dedicated, loving, and determined daughter to her mother, Carmen Lidia Mendez Velázquez, wife to her husband, Julio, aunt to many nieces and nephews, and abuela to her grandchildren, Jasmine and Angelica. She was also a wonderful friend and a dedicated servant of God.

Maria was a talented, hardworking, intelligent, sophisticated social butterfly and caretaker who used her faith and kindness to bring communities together. Through her work as a Deaconess, Missionary, Realtor for Century 21, and Accountant for AT&T, Maria fought to build her life out of poverty into success for the people she loved.

Maria was the type of woman who would give up her life for the ones she loved and the God she so strongly believed in, no matter the denomination. Catholic or Pentecostal, she carried her love, strength, and faith wherever she went.

Maria enjoyed expressing her love through singing, cooking, and creating togetherness in any way she could. She spent her time with family, hosting parties, and studying the Bible.

Maria’s life was a testimony for many. Her faith, unwavering, kindness unquestionable, and love unconditional…The memory of Maria Conception Mendez Velazquez De Gonzalez will forever be celebrated and never forgotten.

Whella was preceded in death by her father, Jose B. Mendez; mother, Carmen Lidia Mendez Velazquez; husband, Julio Gonzalez; and her daughter, Aitza Marie Gonzalez. 

Left to cherish her memory are her loving granddaughters, Jasmine and Angelica; her siblings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends.