Obituary of Rosalyn E. Gonzalez

Rosalyn E. Gonzalez passed away from lung cancer Tuesday October 23, 2012 at the Hospice of Charleston palliative care facility in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Ms. Gonzalez was born August 14, 1949 in New York City, the daughter of the late Albert John Battiste and the late Letha Mae Battiste. She was educated in the public and private schools of New York City and London, England. In 2001 she took early retirement from the New York Life Insurance Company where she worked for 33 years most recently as agent liaison in the actuarial department. An avid volunteer, she held a variety of leadership positions in Minority Interchange, inc. a service organization designed to assist minorities to succeed in the financial services industry. In 2003 she relocated to Charleston, SC. She served as president of the Homeowners Association for the past four years at Concord West of the Ashley the condominium complex where she resided until her death. For the past five years she gave untiringly of her time as stage costumer for Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Inc. Most recently for their Piccolo Spoleto production of Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. She was costumer for Footlight Players’ production of A Raisin in the Sun. Her illness prevented her from completing her work on their recent production of Porgy & Bess. In addition to a host of friends and associates, Roz is survived by three brothers Cyrano Battiste of Chesapeake, VA; Gregory Battiste of Brooklyn, NY; and Randy Battiste of Medford, NY. She leaves her daughter Nicole Ferrell-Laskowski of Wurtsboro, NY; her son Jason Gonzalez of Brooklyn, NY; a grandson Jacob Gonzalez; and her friend and companion for many years Victor Owens of Charleston, SC. Arrangements for Ms. Gonzalez cremation were made with Simplicity Lowcountry. An informal memorial reception will be held Wednesday November 7, 2012 7:00-9:00 PM at the Clubhouse at Concord West of the Ashley condominium complex 45 Sycamore Avenue, Charleston, SC. Another reception is planned for New York City at a date and time to be determined. Further information may be obtained by contacting Victor Owens 843 327-4399.