It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brenda Ann (Abysalh) Gonzalez on October 1, 2023, at the age of 74 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. After a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer, Brenda departed from this world as she lived in it – surrounded by love.
Brenda is survived by her husband, David Randall Gonzalez; daughter, Kimberlyn Lee Bobes; son-in-law, Gus Bobes Jr. ; grandchildren, Sophia Bobes-Boquin (Orlando) and Olivia Bobes; mother-in-law, Virginia Gonzalez; sister-in-law, Donna Gonzalez; niece, Cheri McLaughlin (Tim and nephews).
She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond P. Abysalh, mother, Adrienne Emma Grotberg, and brother, Steven Grotberg of Memphis, Tennessee.
Brenda was born on August 9, 1949, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and moved to Florida with her family as a teenager where she lived the rest of her life. She attended Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, had her beloved daughter Kim, and met the love of her life and husband of 50 years, Dave. Brenda and Dave shared a life full of travel and adventure, beginning with cross-country motorcycling and then Vanning throughout the U.S. with their daughter, Kim.
Brenda had a 38-year career at AT&T where she met many of her lifelong friends and was able to retire at the age of 57. Retiring early gave her and Dave the opportunity to travel the world, venturing to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Russia, Germany, Austria, Amsterdam, China, Greece, Turkey, Istanbul, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Cuba and more. They enjoyed numerous riverboat and other cruises throughout the UK, Europe, and Asia. Brenda also cherished her time spent in the mountains of North Carolina with her entire family.
Brenda was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She was the glue binding her family and friends together. Profoundly empathetic and generous, Brenda always put the needs of others before her own. She had an incredibly close bond with her daughter and grandchildren.
One thing Brenda most enjoyed was showing her love through cooking, baking, and decorating cakes for family and friends. She was a highly skilled self-taught cake artist and created elaborate professional-quality cakes for her loved ones. She did not just bring the cake to the party–she was the party. Brenda was gregarious, young-hearted, and had a mischievous spirit. These are some of the things her loved ones will miss most about her. Brenda was an avid animal lover and doting dog mom to Penny, Tammy, Bailey, Poo, Gidget, and Bella. She loved her neighborhood and her neighbors. She was involved in the Spring Valley Garden Club and always looked forward to Bunco and Teatime with her girlfriends.
Brenda was widely adored, and her absence leaves an enormous hole in the lives of those who knew her.
Brenda’s Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on October 14, 2023. We appreciate your love and well-wishes during this time.
The Bobes & Gonzalez Family