Philly's first out trans police officer buried as a man

[left-of-center2012]

Maria Gonzalez spent the last 15 years of her life as a woman. Her dying wish was to be buried in a pretty dress while wearing red lipstick and matching nail polish, according to a relative who was her primary caregiver.

But on the day of her funeral, family and friends said goodbye to her ashes, which were placed in a wooden box adorned with white and blue flowers. A blue ribbon wrapped around the flowers next to a metal pendant that read: “Dad.”

Gonzalez did not include her funeral wishes in her will and didn’t put her request in writing. Gonzalez’s ex-wife, Chrissy Hernandez Gonzalez, and daughter, Celina Huber, organized the service, even though they were not supportive of her living as a woman, said family members who were close to them.

“Family life was difficult for Maria,” said Linda Greiser, Gonzalez’s sister. “When she came out, [Hernandez Gonzalez] kicked her out of the house and wanted nothing to do with her. There wasn’t much of a relationship between my sister and [Huber] for 15 years. She made attempts, but nothing worked.”

“Maria expressed to me numerous times that if her ex-wife or daughter were in charge of her funeral, she would have the worst funeral ever. Unfortunately, she never put anything into writing,” Greiser said.

http://www.epgn.com/news/local/13964-philly-s-first-out-trans-police-officer-buried-as-a-man

[Corvo Bianco]

1. Nice shitty family you've got there

Rip

[madaboutharry]

2. There were some family members who respected her and loved her for who she was.

What a pity that a couple of bitter people, including her own daughter, could behave in such a selfish and unloving manner.

Rest in Peace, Maria.

[dsc]

3. This is an incredibly sad story and a cautionary tale

Put that stuff in writing. She knew what her ex wife would do if she was in charge but even though she died of a disease and had time to put her wishes in writing she chose not to. Simply mystifying.