I graduated in 1982 from Iona College. I don't know why I thought of Dra. Gomez-Quintero today, but I did.  I just found out she passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. The memory was when she encouraged me to  keep writing my spanish poems and to discover more about of our latin musical roots.  There was never a dull moment with "la Doctora".She would only accept the best from her students.  She made me dig deep inside my soul. She accepted me as I was at that time, and I am forever grateful for her inspiration. Her voice and her encouraging ways still reverberate with me today.  She was one of those people who just make you want to be a better person.
God Bless her and your family. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings.

Querida Doctora,
It was with great sorrow that we learned of your passing today. Dr. Gomez-Quintero will always have a special place in our hearts. She was an outstanding teacher and she gave so much of herself to her students. Our years at Iona were so wonderful in great part because of her. The many hours spent at the language house where she generously gave so much of her time chatting with us and other students meant as much to us as her wonderful classes. She was such a force in the classroom. We truly believed she knew everything! And this inspired us to try to learn as much as we could so we could be as valuable to our students as she was to us. 
My wife, Josianne (Quemener) Passanante has always said that it was because of Doctora that we got together. My wife would drive Doctora to Iona and she would always  ask her, "Do you know Rocco? You two would be perfect together." Not only was she the best teacher, but a fantastic alcahueta!
Our condolences go out to her family. Please know that we mourn her passing just as you do. To this day we think about her constantly and the fond memories we have of her will stay with us a lifetime.
Gracias, Doctora, por todo. La queremos muchísimo y la respetamos aun más. Yo decimos esto del corazón, no seríamos las personas que somos hoy sin haberla conocido. 
¡Que descanse en paz!
Con cariño, afeto, y respeto,
Rocco Passanante, Iona '82
Josianne Quemener Passanante, Iona '84

"Dra. G.-Q." was one of my greatest inspirations to follow my passion to become a Spanish teacher/professor.  She was a classy lady who made me work harder for my A's than any other professor at Iona.  I am eternally grateful to her for that.  I had the pleasure of traveling to Spain with her on several occasions, and attending theater productions and dinners with her in Manhattan over the span of 25 years.  Dra. inspired in me a love for literature that I never would have found without her.  I believe her legacy truly always preceded her.  She is and always will be one of the most respected and valued members of the Iona College Community.  I will miss her greatly, but remember her always.  Que descanse en paz en Cielo ahora,  Dra. G.-Q.

A real dynamo, a wonderful teacher, and a classy woman. She will be missed.

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Ela Gomez-Quintero

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Ela Gomez-Quintero

February 6, 1922 – March 27, 2018

Frederick Funeral Home

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