Gloria Lightbourn Chavez, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away on June 30, 2023 at the age of 80 in the company of family. She was a lifelong El Pasoan and was connected to so many in the community.
Born on February 8, 1943, Gloria was the second youngest of seven children. She was a devoted daughter and sister helping to support her mother and family after her father died when she was only 13 years old. She attended Burgess High School for all but one semester of high school and loved being a Mustang, but graduated from Austin High School in 1962 when her family moved. Her love of flowers and fashion began early in life when she worked during high school at Carters Flower Shop and served on the White House Fashion Board. In her final year of high school, she met her beloved husband of 57 years, Salvador (Sal), at her brother’s Texaco station. After graduation, Gloria worked full time while being a dedicated, loving mother to her two daughters, Isabelle and Catherine. Most of her career, she worked at Southern Union Gas, Southwestern Portland Cement Company and The Hoover Company, making lifelong friends along the way.
She returned to school to obtain her real estate license and, later, also completed her travel agent certification. After retiring from fulltime employment, Gloria went to work for Continental Airlines and fulfilled a lifelong dream to travel to Fatima, Portugal.
Gloria had a passion for collecting dolls, antiques and dishes. She loved Elvis, dancing, shopping, and, most of all, her family. Every opportunity she had, she traveled to California to visit her two granddaughters, Allison and Carissa. When at home, she would most often be found meticulously tending to her roses and other flowers in her garden. She was a remarkable example of Christ’s love and was always first to offer help to anyone in need; she was compassionate and encouraging to all. Her strength, faith, beauty, and love enriched our lives and we will greatly miss her.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Eduardo and Vicenta G. Lightbourn; her brothers, Eddie Lightbourn, Tony Lightbourn and David Lightbourn; and her sister, Teresa Bombach. She is survived by her husband, Sal; her sisters, Isabel Avila and Delfina Hernandez; her daughters, Isabelle (Martin Oaxaca), and Catherine (Matthew Rayer); and her granddaughters Allison and Carissa Rayer.
Visitation will be July 10th from 4:30pm to 8pm with vigil/rosary at 6pm at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, July 11th at 10:30am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 W Sunset Rd, El Paso, Texas 79922. Burial to follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Rd, Santa Teresa, New Mexico 88008.
In honor of Gloria's love of her rose garden, we kindly ask that you wear something floral or floral colors to the services.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Chavez family.
