Virginia D. Gonsalves, 89, a lifelong resident of Hanford passed away in her home on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. She was born May 2, 1919 to immigrants of the Azores, Manuel C. and Francisca (Rodrigues) Deniz.

On September 14, 1942, she married Peter T. Gonsalves in Reno, Nevada. They were married 46 years, and together they had two children, Garry and Colean. Virginia was a housewife, mother, farmer and businesswoman. In 1945, she and her husband became business partners in Gonsalves Flowers & Nursery, which remains family owned and operated. Virginia was a creative woman. She loved flowers, decorating and gardening, which was evident in her home as well as her business. Virginia and her husband also farmed together until his death in 1988. She was a member of the SPRSI. No one was a stranger to Virginia. She would embrace children and families into her home, provide them with meals and lots of love and care.

She is survived by her son, Garry Gonsalves and daughter-in-law, Mary of Hanford; a daughter, Colean Duty and son-in-law, Carlton of Lemoore; eight grandchildren, Carlton Duty Jr., and wife Ann of Orange, Aaron Duty and wife, Jenn of Santee, Ryan Duty and wife Julie of Lemoore, Rollin Duty and wife Sara of Stratford, Peter Gonsalves and wife Amy of Lemoore, Gary Gonsalves Jr., of Hanford, Richard Gonsalves of Fresno and Sarah Gonsalves of Hanford; three great-grandsons, Gavin, Brian and Jason; and one great-granddaughter expected in April; two sisters-in-law, Mary Fasso of Tulare and Doloris Gonsalves of Hanford; five generations of nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and her companion dog, Tazz. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Manuel, Al and Clarence Deniz and four sisters, Mary Gomes, Alvina Nunes, Francis Nunes and Billie Alvernaz.