Carolyn Nelson Gonzales, 76, of Bethlehem, died Thursday December 10th at Waterbury Hospital. She was the wife of Umberto A. Gonzales. Mrs. Gonzales was born August 24, 1933, in Wilton, Daughter of the late Ralph Lewis Nelson, and Bernice Merrill Nelson. She studied at Columbia University, New York University, The Art Students League, and in later years, the Brookfield Craft Center and Mattatuck Community College. She worked at Time and Life, The Book of the Month Club, and The Southbury Training school before starting D-Entry Systems, her own desktop publishing business where she prepared and edited books and manuscripts, produced Bethlehems' Grapevine, and the Society for Connecticut Crafts Newsletter. A versatile artisan, she enjoyed painting, weaving, jewelry making, quilting and many other artistic disciplines. She also has had articles published in several national magazines. In 2001, she wrote a book of short stories detailing her experiences in Bethlehem entitled "Landscapes and Portraits". She loved to study nature and was passionate about the earth and its ever-changing cycles. She was a lover of music, being able to play many different instruments, and her worldly approach to cooking made every meal an exciting new experience.

She leaves her husband of 44 years, her son Gayong D. Gonzales of New York City, Matang B. Gonzales of Bethlehem, Daughter-in-law Jill Anne Gonzales, and grandchildren Alexandre Nelson and Haley Violet Gonzales of Bethlehem.

Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn's memory to the Bethlehem Lions Club scholarship fund PO Box 421, Bethlehem, Ct 06751.

Cemetery: Bethlehem Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: A graveside service will be held at Bethlehem Cemetery.

Visitation: A memorial gathering will be held from 11am - 1pm on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at The Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St.