Elena Gonzalez

* Paraprofessional
* William Cullen Bryant HS, Queens

Elena Gonzalez dedicated her career as a paraprofessional to making sure that students with special needs, especially English language learners, received the quality education they deserved.

From 2004, Elena’s dignified and steady presence graced the halls of William Cullen Bryant HS in Long Island City, Queens.

Elena served as a paraprofessional to high school students in both self-contained and integrated co-teaching classes. She helped Spanish-language students understand and complete their assignments. She planned on retiring in June 2021.

Elena had a low-key manner and was well-regarded throughout the school.

Elena, age 68, was a UFT member for 27 years. While not an out-in-front union activist, Elena was union proud. She recognized the value of her union, understood its impact on her school community and could clearly articulate its importance to her fellow members.

Elena’s family, especially her three sons, was the centerpiece of her life. Born in the Dominican Republic, Elena embraced her heritage and loved cooking comfort foods from the island. She enjoyed traveling to Rhode Island to visit her sister and brothers. Playing Bingo brought her joy.

Elena Gonzalez will be memorialized in a private service on Wednesday, April 29, and interred at the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.

Elena is survived by her three sons Angel, Alfred and Argenis; her sister Dulce; her brothers Antonio, Miguel and Manuel; her grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.