With deepest sorrow, the parents of Emmanuel (Manny) Gonzalez, of New Palestine, Indiana, announce the death of their Son.
Manny was born to eternal life, surrounded and comforted by his parents, on November 26, 2022, at Ascension Saint Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, after suffering a stroke earlier in the month. He was 36-years old.
Manny was born November 28, 1985, in Encarnación de Díaz, Jalisco, Mexico, was immediately adopted, and brought to live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Affectionately known as “Super-Manny”, he was a unique soul who overcame numerous obstacles in life, which resulted from being diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 10. After surviving cancer, school was very challenging for Manny due to cognitive difficulties and anxiety. Despite many disabilities, he persevered and worked hard to minimize his weaknesses and grow his strengths.
Manny moved with his parents to Colorado in 2001, and graduated from Liberty High School in Colorado Springs, in 2004. During high school, he also studied Culinary Arts at Pikes Peak Community College, which perfectly complimented his passion for eating, all the time! Manny was also recognized as one of the Mayor of Colorado Springs Top 100 Teens in 2003.
Manny enjoyed music, dancing, and was an ardent Chicago Bulls fan, with an enviable collection of Michael Jordan memorabilia. He also looked forward to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life each year. At this event, and every other opportunity, Manny was eager to tell his survivor story, with the hope of being an encouragement to others.
Manny successfully managed more health challenges in his short life than most people will ever face. Despite what appeared to be insurmountable odds, he lived independently for the past 15-years, and relocated from Colorado to Indiana, when his parents moved there earlier this year.
Manny was an incredibly loving and kind person, and when he felt safe with someone, he loved with a fierce loyalty. He was particularly fond of his physical therapist in Colorado Springs, Brittany Dillahunty, and his parents are tremendously grateful for her committed care of Manny.
They also extend their gratitude to all the physicians, medical specialists, and therapists who supported and helped him through childhood cancer and his neurologist in Colorado Springs, Dr. Laurence Adams, for his years of care. They also thank the staff of nurses, technicians, and chaplains at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, and those with Compassus Hospice Care, who served so tenderheartedly during these last weeks of Manny’s journey through this life.
Manny is survived by his parents, Earl and Alma Brewster (née Gonzalez) of Greenfield, Indiana; his siblings Shelby Brewster-Kojanic (Ognjen), Kacey Brewster-Weaver (Bobby), Audrey Brewster-Lujan (Geovanny), and Grady Brewster (Lydia); his Grandmother, Yvonne Brewster; and many, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends. Manny was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Pedro and Avelina Gonzalez; his Grandfather, Allen J. Brewster; his Uncle, Roberto Gutierrez; and Cousins Dora Alicia Perez (née Gonzalez), Roberto Gutierrez, Jr., and Anthony Muniz, Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 11:00 AM, at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E New Rd, Greenfield, IN, 46140.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in memory of Manny, would be greatly appreciated.
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