Gloria Valdez Gonzales

Gloria V. Gonzales, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, was a dedicated servant to the Lord, her family, and her community. She passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born on April 8, 1931, in Marion, Texas, to Federico Lucio Valdez, Sr., and Feliciana Villarreal Valdez.

Gloria grew up alongside her siblings, Dora Davis (deceased), Hilda Adame, Fredrico Valdez Jr., Hector Valdez, Homer Valdez, and Irma Castanon. She cherished her family deeply and their bonds were a source of strength throughout her life.

On November 16, 1958, Gloria married the love of her life, Geronimo “Jerry” Gonzales, in a grand wedding in Marion, Texas, attended by over 500 family and friends. The celebration was a true family affair, with relatives coming together to prepare a feast. Gloria and Jerry’s marriage was a testament to their love and partnership, lasting until Jerry’s passing in 2007.

All four of their children were born in San Antonio but grew up in Houston after Jerry's transfer to Ellington AFB in 1969. Moving away from their beloved family in San Antonio was a difficult decision, but frequent trips back eased their homesickness. These visits soon became a cherished family tradition, strengthening the bond between both hometowns.

Once settled, Gloria’s career in Houston began doing social work for the United Way Houston, where she mobilized resources and supported health, education, and financial stability within the community. Her work touched many lives, especially through food, transportation, and resource assistance for broken families.

Gloria furthered her service impact at Neighborhood Centers operating the Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center in Pasadena during the 1970s. She provided direct services to residents enhancing the quality of life through educational programs, community development, and support services.

In 1976, Gloria accepted the position of Assistant to the Aging Program Supervisor at the senior center on North Walter in Pasadena. In 1985, Pasadena Mayor John Ray Harrison appointed her Director of the new Madison Jobe Senior Center, where she oversaw an array of programs, including social services, recreation, arts and crafts, and health initiatives. Under her leadership, the center grew to over 1,000 active members and significantly expanded its offerings.

Gloria retired from the Madison Jobe Senior Center on April 30, 1993, after a distinguished 17-year career dedicated to serving the senior community. Her legacy at the center includes a strong volunteer program and various initiatives that continue to benefit seniors today.

After retiring, Gloria continued her community service as a member of the Sociedades Guadalupanas at Holy Family Catholic Church in Missouri City, Texas, a group committed to instilling greater love, devotion, and reverence for Holy Mother Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Gloria is survived by her children and their spouses: Sandra Nelson (Greg Nelson), Hector Gonzales (Coleen Gonzales), Yvonne Gasior (Matt Gasior), and Richard Gonzales.

Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Johnny Loftis; Gage Nelson (Christiana Valencia Nelson); Natalie Reed; Kristin Galindo (John Galindo); Taylor Ure (Kelly Shannon); and Troy Gonzales.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Victoria Rogers, Isabella Loftis, and Jonathan Loftis, children of Johnny Loftis; Zachery Carter (Ashley Ruiz), Grace Reed, and Abby Reed, children of Natalie Reed; Zoe Galindo (Eric Rodas), Laynie Galindo, Harlow Galindo, daughters of Kristin and John Galindo; June Nelson, daughter of Gage and Christina Nelson; and Aria Ure, daughter of Taylor Ure and Kelly Shannon. Additionally, Gloria's great-great-grandson, Aris Rodas, is the son of Eric Rodas and Zoe Galindo. Her family spans generations, each carrying forward her love, legacy, and memory.

Gloria’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories, having lived to see five generations of her family. Her warm spirit and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.