Gilda Marie Gonzalez's Obituary
Gilda Marie Gonzalez, 73, passed away at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida on March 7, 2025. A kind and loving soul, Gilda had a heart as big as a house and never met a stranger-just friends she hadn’t spoken to yet.
Born on November 9, 1951, the daughter of George and Rosario Rojo (nee Del Castillo), She grew up in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by a beautiful family. She often spoke of the deep love of her grandmother, “Abuela Fina,” whom she fondly called the glue of the family.
Gilda attended attended Orange Grove Elementary, George Washington Junior High, and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1970. She held dear the friendships she formed in school, nurturing them throughout her life - especially her dear friend Dahlia.
She was a lover of music and enjoyed listening to many genres, but her favorite song, I Can Only Imagine by Christian band MercyMe, held a special place in her heart. But also liked to mix it up with some Bruno Mars.
Gilda is survived by her daughters, Alisha Cuevas Cruz, and Gina Davidson; sister, Cynthia Velasco, brother-in-law, David Velasco, niece, Siena; and other family members including aunt, uncle, and numerous cousins.
She was a proud and adoring grandmother who cherished her grandchildren-Gianna, Paul, Marquis, Chanelle, Necie, Sianna, Nicholas, Jesenia, Michelle, Amelia - and great-grandmother to 15.
She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved partner, Robert Cuevas, her parents, George and Rosario, favorite uncle, Adolph (Fito) Del Castillo, her cousin, Gilbert Bustamante, and her niece, Bianca Velasco.
Her love, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
What’s your fondest memory of Gilda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gilda?
Share a story where Gilda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gilda you’ll never forget.
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