Gloria M. Mendoza

Gloria Marie Mendoza, 77, of Chula Vista, CA passed away on Saturday September 29, 2012 at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego, CA with her loving family by her side.

Gloria is survived by her husband Jose Gilbert ‘Gil’ Mendoza; daughter Lorraine McGuffie (Mendoza); son Ralph Allen Mendoza; and daughter Cynthia Diaz (Mendoza). Among them are eight grandchildren: Jeremy Burkhart; Shawn-Michael Burkhart; Sonya Reyes; Christopher Burkhart; Elizabeth Martin; Dustin Diaz; Erin Resurrection; and Evan Mendoza. And among them are six great-grandchildren: Michael Reyes; Isabella Burkhart; Daniel Reyes; Aedan Burkhart; Olivia Martin; and Agent Diaz.

A Memorial Service was held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, 753 Broadway Chula Vista, CA 91910 on Thursday October 4, 2012 at 11:00am. Her final resting place will be at Miramar National Cemetery.

Gloria was born in San Diego, CA on November 13, 1934 to the late Rafael Miranda and Aurelia Amador. She had three brothers: the late Rafael, Angel, and Manual Miranda, and sister Esther Griggs (Miranda).

Gloria was 10 years old when she met the love of her life Gil, on her family’s small farm in San Ysidro. Rumor has it that she tried to run him down on her horse the day they met! Small wonder, for soon after they would never leave each other’s side. Following the Korean War and Gil’s honorable discharge from active duty from the United States Marine Corps, she and Gil were married on August 23, 1952. This year ‘Gil & Glo’ celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a candle light boat cruise on the San Diego bay.

Early in their marriage they moved to Ontario, CA for a few year but later returned to Chula Vista where they raised their family in the home which they still own. Through the years, Gloria remained an active supporter of the Chosin Few Marine Corps Veteran’s organization to which her husband still belongs. Gloria was a devoted follower of the Catholic faith and her belief in God was strong. She was a member with Gil of the Saint Pius Catholic Church in Chula Vista for over 40 years.

Gloria will be remembered for her uplifting spirit and laughter, as well as her unwavering devotion to her family. From her early childhood to her years as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Gloria never ceased to give it her all and stay active through good times and bad. Throughout the years she embraced life like a gift and enjoyed many activities such as horseback riding, tennis, and dancing. She was also involved in the YMCA and became an active jogger. As a young mother and wife she loved camping, going to the movies, and family outings in San Diego. In her later years, she devoted her time to gatherings with family and friends, homemaking, and gardening.

Gloria was a loving Wife, a caring Mom, an affectionate Nana, and to everyone a very classy lady who possessed the most exquisite style and beauty. She could always be heard singing around the house and in her beautiful garden; she cherished her home and always appreciated the warm southern California lifestyle living by the ocean. Her voice and laughter have touched the lives of so many, and all who have had the privilege of her acquaintance would agree that she was an inspiration to live well, love much, and laugh often. She was the Mendoza family’s great matriarch and a truly magnificent person.

Gloria Mendoza will be loved and missed forever.