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Former City Councilwoman Maria Gonzalez Dies At 72

Also Taught School And Was Community Activist

By JENNA CARLESSO

February 02, 2011

HARTFORD — — Maria B. Gonzalez, a former city councilwoman, Hartford public school teacher and community activist, has died. She was 72.

Gonzalez came to Hartford in 1974 to work as a teacher and spent most of her 30-year career in Hartford public schools. She taught middle school and high school, most recently at Hartford Public High School, friends said.

She joined the city's Democratic town committee in 1978 and served on the city council in the 1980s.

"She was a very strong advocate for improving the schools," said Edwin Vargas, a friend and longtime Hartford resident. "Her presence was felt. People knew who she was and respected her. It's a big loss for the community."

Gonzalez also taught at Capital Community College and was a member of the Parkville Senior Center and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Council.

In 1990, she founded The Language League, a business devoted to the teaching of languages. She received a YWCA Leadership Award and the city of Hartford's Community Star Award.

The family will receive visitors at Our Lady of Sorrows on New Park Avenue Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass will be held at the church Friday at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.