Yolanda M. Gonzalez

Yolanda Mercedes Gonzalez, 77 years of age, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past five years, formerly of Orlando, FL. and Puerto Rico, peacefully passed away, Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Cape Coral, FL., surrounded by family and wrapped in love. She was born on a Friday, March 1, 1940 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Eusebio and Mercedes Gonzalez, both of whom preceded her in death.

Yolanda always had a heart to serve. She was determined to live a life of service to her family and community. She was an Executive Secretary for Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., an Administrative Secretary for the Veterans Administration of Puerto Rico, was a founding member of The International Ministries Church in Cape Coral , she served as a Community Advocate and Teacher of E.S.L. for the Spanish speaking population of her Orlando community, she developed and ministered a visiting prison ministry, and she served the American Red Cross as a Communications Resource Specialist for over 30 years.

Her greatest accomplishments, in her eyes, were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Yolanda lived a life of peace, love, forgiveness and acceptance. Her heart was pure and her love unconditional; this is evident in all of the people she touched. She was known as the “Paloma Blanca” the “White Dove”.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Frederick C. DePalm (Luz) of Oakland, CA, Karen M. Williams of St. Leonard, MD, Audrey R. DePalm-Lanclos (Melvyn) of Antioch, CA, John G. DePalm (Akiko) of Franklin Lakes, N.J., and Joseph C. DePalm (Karolyn) of Cape Coral, FL. also the children born in her heart: Yvette, Farah, Aisha, Shareef and Hodari, and the father of her children: Frederick E. DePalm Sr., fifteen grandchildren: Cristian, Benicio, Emilio, Trevor, Matthew, Alec, Kaede, Saemi, Naomi, Joseph, Jr., Fernando, Omar, Gilberto, David and Joel, three great grandchildren: Gabriel, Landon, and Lincoln, several nieces and nephews, her baby sister: Louisa Hayes of New Mexico and a host of extended family and friends.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her brother, Jose Gonzalez and sister, Essy Rosario.

An intimate memorial gathering took place in Cape Coral, FL. at the home of her son Joseph and his wife, Karolyn. Per her wishes; no viewing will be scheduled. You are encouraged to celebrate her life with those she cherished and loved. Our family would like to extend a special mention to Vivian Valdez and the staff at Joyful Life Assisted Living, for helping us give mom the highest level of care and love during her illness.

Memorial Contributions, in memory of Yolanda Mercedes Gonzalez, are suggested to go to: The American Red Cross for Hurricane relief in Puerto Rico:http://www.redcross.org/donate/donation

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.