In Memoriam of Soror Marcy “Apasionada” González

Marcy “Apasionada” González (López) was born in the Bronx, NY on August 13, 1979 to Puerto Rican parents, Juan and Carmen López. She joined Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (OPBSI) as the #4 of the Spring 1999 class Bi’ Guatu’ at Cornell University, making her one of the Chartering Members of OPBSI’s first Ivy League Chapter: Nu Chapter. She was also one of our earliest legacies, having followed in the footsteps of her older sister, Amaris (Ramos) DeDona, who had joined our Sorority at Alpha Chapter at the University at Albany, SUNY, in Spring 1993. In addition to the relationships that she developed within OPBSI through Amaris, Marcy said what drew her to OPBSI was that “[it] is an organization of strong, independent women with goals and aspirations that are similar to my own.” Her sister name, Apasionada, is of Spanish origin and means “Passionate”, perfectly describing her fire and drive and her radiant laugh.  

She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Latino Studies from Cornell University followed by a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She worked as the dean of programs of SEEDS, a privately funded, statewide, nonprofit organization that changes the lives of motivated, high-achieving students from low-income families by transforming their educational opportunities, as well as the National Latino Council of Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, and the Latino Commission on AIDS.  

Marcy served in various leadership roles including the Director of Public Relations from 2002-2003, where she developed marketing strategies for OPBSI’s participation in the New York City DV Walk, and most notably as Executive Director of the Sorority, under the then National Board of Directors, from 2003-2004. In Spring 2008 she served as Class Supervisor for the New Member Education (NME) Class at Nu Chapter, and in Spring 2011 she became Dean/Membership Educator for the NME Class at Columbia University. She also gave her time to various committees including Quality and Assurance as well as Expansion and was an avid supporter of OPBSI’s philanthropic efforts, particularly the Ray of Hope Walk. She was a proud alumna and mentor to her Chapter over the course of her 19 years in the Sorority and remained a volunteer for the sorority pitching in wherever she could.  

On November 2, 2013 Marcy suffered a debilitating stroke. It was during her rehabilitation at Cornell Weill Medical Center that she met the love of her life, Raymond David González, who happened to be on her therapy team. They were to later marry at a beautiful ceremony in Manhattan on October 18, 2015. Sadly, Marcy’s health troubles were not over. Shortly after the stroke she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She fought ferociously for 5 years undergoing various treatments and numerous clinical trials all while learning to walk and write (and dance) again. She pushed herself to get strong enough to participate in the Ovarian Cancer Walk with her very own Marcy’s Army behind her. She continued her passion for civic and social engagement by creating awareness for ovarian cancer and the little research and dollars dedicated to this disease.  

On December 29, 2018, God called Marcy home. She will be eternally cherished and loved as a sister, mentor, and friend. We will never forget her radiant laughter and the twinkle in the eye of our beloved Apasionada. She will continue to be an indomitable spirit with her tireless hummingbird wings flying high above us as she guides and watches over her family, friends, and sisters daily inspiring us to continue to live fiercely and boldly, all with the grace and love she radiated within her.  

Marcy’s wake will be held at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview, FL 33578 on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 4-6pm. A full mass is being held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11am at St. Stephen Church at 10118 St Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL 33569.  

For more information please contact our Special Coordinator, Soror Mónica L. Miranda at iluminada293@gmail.com.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
www.OmegaPhiBeta.org
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The purpose of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated is to Serve and Educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors. OPBSI envisions a world without oppression, where empowered women celebrate the essence of womanhood and act as resources in the advancement of their communities.