Sister Angelina Gonzales OP

Gonzales, OP, Sister Angelina formerly of Glorieta, New Mexico, died on May 31, 2025, at Marywood in Grand Rapids. She was 91 years old and a Dominican Sister for 70 years.  Sister Angelina was born into a close-knit, devout Catholic family deeply rooted in Spanish culture and tradition.  Her early years were shaped by the love of her parents and grandparents, whose strong faith inspired her lifelong dedication to God and others.  After graduating from high school, Angelina began a successful career in business, working at Nazareth Hospital in Albuquerque.  It was there she encountered the joyful spirit and generous witness of the Dominican Sisters, who helped her discern a call to religious life.  Though naturally shy, her courage and conviction led her from Santa Fe to Grand Rapids, where she was received as a novice and given the name Assumpta.  In time, following Vatican Council II, she returned to her baptismal name, Angelina.  For 70 years, Sister Angelina ministered with love, grace, and compassion.  She was a business manager at Guadalupe General Hospital.  Over three decades in hospital administration, she brought integrity and kindness to her work, always guided by a deep call to serve the poor and the vulnerable.  She was known not only as a skilled administrator but as a woman of profound hospitality, whose life taught others about Jesus through her quiet acts of love as she served the People of God in parish ministry in Santa Rosa and other parts of New Mexico. Her exceptional service was recognized with a Distinguished Service in Catechesis Award by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.  Reflecting on her life at retirement, Sister Angelina shared: “The people taught me very valuable lessons in love, simplicity and humility, and how to live a life of hospitality and love for each other.”  Outside of her ministry, Sister Angellina found joy in nature and the simple pleasures of life.  She loved hiking, music, reading and popping popcorn!  Sister embraced a philosophy of living each day with peace and joy.  Sister Angelina’s legacy is one of gentle strengths, enduring faith, and a heart open to all.  She will be missed by her religious community, family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness.  Sister Angelina Gonzales is survived by Stella Gonzales, Alfonso Gonzales (Rosemarie), Joe Elfego Gonzales, Jessie Kowalski (Jim), Gilbert Gonzales (Lucille), Gloria Gonzales Fresques, nieces, nephews, many friends, and members of her Dominican community.   Sr. Angelina will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE, with a Remembering Service on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 9:00 am and a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorials in Sister Angelina’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.