Angelina Carolina Gonzalez

Angelina Carolina “Carolyn” Gonzalez, 76 of Topeka, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Plaza West Healthcare & Rehab in Topeka, Kansas.

She was born November 12, 1946, in Topeka, to Jubencio Perez Rodriguez and Saturnina (Borjon) Rodriguez.  She attended Lincoln Grade School, East Topeka Jr High and Topeka High School graduating in 1964.  She attended and acquired many hours at Washburn University but ultimately, transferred to the University of Kansas where she graduated with a Bachelors of Social Work in 1978.

In her younger years, Angelina was a lifeguard at Ripley Park.  She learned to play the piano, which she enjoyed throughout adulthood.  Angelina liked to cook which formed her into a collector of recipe books and later Christian book collecting became an interest too. Her car also mysteriously stopped at every garage sale it attempted to drive by.

Angelina enjoyed helping people. She found her calling at SRS and APS.  Angelina worked 21 years for the State of Kansas with her LBSW as a Social Work Specialist, retiring in 2009.  Other places she previously worked include the Salvation Army and Eventide Convalescent Center of Topeka.

Angelina married Edmundo Gonzalez, December 7, 1996, in Topeka.  Together, they owned a bakery named Nueva Vida Panaderia.  While Edmundo baked, Angelina handled all of the business end. 

She attended The House of the Lord Church where she was a member of the choir and the Virtuous Women. She was very active in the church, and she most enjoyed the fellowship.

Survivors include her husband, Edmundo Gonzalez of the home; a daughter, Leigh Anne Adams of St. Paul, MN; sisters, Gloria Ramos of Lawrence, KS, and Elena Carrizales of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Brittany, Jodi, Lauren, Andrayah, Raiyne, and Robert; and two great grandchildren, Sophia and Camila; and her soon to be 100-year-old (or is it forever 21) Aunt Jessie Borjon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Inez Young, Maria Rivera, and Anna Rodriguez; brothers, Jose Rodriguez, Gilberto Rodriguez, and Raul Rodriguez.

Angelina will lie in state on Thursday, September 14, where the family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, with the funeral service following at 1:00pm.  Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to The House of the Lord Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.