Elizabeth Gonzales

Elizabeth Gonzales had a presence that easily drew in anyone around her—she was warm and charming with the kind of effortless charisma that lit up every room she entered. Easily the life of any gathering, Elizabeth never missed an opportunity to put her particular vibrant spin on the latest fashion trends or spend time with loved ones from grand functions to intimate fetes over a good meal. Elizabeth was the nurse who easily commanded a tight ship, readily went the extra mile and did it all while wearing stylish wedges with her scrubs. She was the elegant, eye-catching trendsetter who would confidently, if not brazenly, respond with “I know” or “always” to any complement on her wardrobe.

Elizabeth’s magnetic spirit was rivalled only by the immense care and devotion she gave to family, friends, and colleagues. So it's no surprise that in her 67 years, she maintained close bonds with almost every person fortunate enough to know her. 

Born on November 18, 1956 in Olongapo, a small city in the Philippines, the oldest of Zosima and Benjamin Pacia’s four children and the oldest of 31 cousins, Elizabeth was a natural leader: what she says goes. But this leadership was marked by unyielding generosity and always made in service of her younger family members. In her youth, she would invite siblings and cousins to tag along on shopping sprees she received as gifts from her godparents. Later, Elizabeth made sure to provide financial security for her siblings and parents.

Elizabeth graduated from Arrellano University and the United Doctors Medical Center Nursing School in 1978. She then migrated to the U.S. in 1980 to begin her 46-year nursing career in Southern California.

Not long after, Elizabeth would be reunited with her husband, Danilo—the older brother of a childhood classmate—on a blind date set by Elizabeth’s best friend. Danilo and Elizabeth married in the winter of 1982. Over the last 42 years of their union, they built a home that eagerly welcomed and embraced friends, family and neighbors alike. Ever the model hostess, Elizabeth created a space that became the center of her family’s annual holiday traditions. 

Her giving, gregarious, albeit authoritative, nature extended to her colleagues at Alhambra Hospital and Luther Burbank Middle School, and made Elizabeth the ideal nurse. Throughout her career, Elizabeth became an inspiration to those around her. She did not think twice about going above and beyond in the line of duty, like painstakingly maintaining patient files in pristine detail. In fact, she bore a reputation as the most sought-after mentor for newly minted nurses. 

To say that Elizabeth Gonzales was and is most beloved would be an understatement. 

On July 22, 2024, surrounded by close family, Elizabeth Gonzales unexpectedly passed away. Her memory lives on in: her husband, Danilo; son, Albert; daughter Melissa Goodwin (Benjamin); her three siblings: Carolina Feliciano (Ferdinand), Benjamin, Jr. (Amalia), and Helenita (Steve); and countless loving friends and family.