RICHMOND, VA- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Mrs. Josefa Gonzalez Bello, age 81, of Puerto Rico but recently moved to Virginia, formerly of Waterbury, shares the news of her passing on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Bon Secours, St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by her children and other loved family members. She was the widow of Daniel Gonzalez.

Josefa was born on June 14, 1945, in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, the beloved daughter of the late Jose Gonzalez and Atilana Bello. She lived her early years by the sea in Puerto Rico, where she began to build a beautiful life with her beloved husband and their six children. At the age of 21, she moved to Waterbury, Connecticut, which she would call home for many years. There, she dedicated herself to her career at Timex in Middlebury as a Gyro Aerospace Tester and ending her career in UTC Aerospace Systems in Cheshire. After a fulfilling career, she returned to her roots in Puerto Rico for her retirement with her beloved daughter, Mayra, who was her best friend and also her caregiver, they were for sure to peas in a pod, but in her later years, she moved to Virginia to be closer to her beloved granddaughter, Natalie. The bond they shared was extraordinary, they were always supporting and caring for one another through thick and thin.

Josefa was a woman of deep compassion and generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand to others. Her strength and independence shone brightly, and she was a great provider for her family throughout her life. A devout Catholic, her faith was an integral part of her life. Family was everything to her, she cherished the precious moments spent with her granddaughter, Natalie and her great-grandson, Nate, looking forward to each gathering with joy and gratitude. Josefa had a unique ability to touch the hearts of everyone she encountered, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever resonate in the lives she enriched.

Left to honor and cherish her memory, are her children: Jose, Jorge, Cynthia, Radames, Kendra and Mayra, her granddaughter and best friend: Natalie, her great- grandson Nate. She also leaves her siblings: Cruz Torres, Jose Antonio Gonzalez and Ana Gonzalez and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and beloved friends. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Daniel Gonzalez of 38 years and her siblings: Jose Jorge Gonzalez and Eugenio Gonzalez.

All services will be held privately at the convenience of her family. Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT, 06705, has been honored to assist the Gonzalez Bello family during this most difficult time. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Josefa to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.