Gloria Martinez

Gloria was born on April 24, 1929 in Ray, Az. She was the daughter of Rosa Moresco Culling (deceased 1994) and Albert C Culling (deceased 1962) of Arizona.

Gloria and two younger brothers Juan Moresco (deceased) Arnold J Culling (deceased 2022) were raised in Bell Town, Riverside County, CA.

Gloria graduated from Poly High School in Riverside. She married her life long love, Nicholas Martinez (deceased 2010) in June 1951, lived their lives and raised their children in National City, CA.

Gloria is survived by 5 daughters, 1 son, 34 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Barbara Norris and (Marty-deceased 2006), daughters: April Capaccio and Vincent, Jaime Norris-Ross and John. Ruth Campos and Ray, children: Leslie Haas and Kevin, Eddie Johnson, Matt Campos and Shannon, Ben Campos and Sarah, Brianna Campos. Vivian Martinez Rehnberg (Bruce-deceased 12/2023). Elaine Montijo and Daniel, sons: Albert Martinez, Baron Montijo and Evelyn, Michael Montijo and Danielle. Nick Martinez and Julianna, children: Anthony Eribez and Lauri, Nicholas Martinez, Adam Martinez and Andrea, Julie Suarez and Joaquin, Lucas Martinez, Isaac Martinez. Pauline Olivos and Fidel, children: Fidel Olivos and Sarah, Adrian Olivos and Kayla, Vanessa Olivos and Martin Baltizar, Priscilla Van Hoy and Austin.

In the early days, Gloria worked as a secretary at March Air Force Base, held various bookkeeping jobs and spent her extra time fixing flat tires and conducting car maintenance at her dad’s garage and gas station.

Gloria raised 6 children, sent all to St.Rita’s Catholic School, attended Mass every Sunday and often found time to provide day care for babies of working parents looking for a trusting home. She loved attending ceramic class at the local recreation center, sometimes with baby in carrier, coming home with gifts for every holiday. With only one car and Nick at work, Gloria would take all 6 children, holding hands, to doctor appointments on the city bus. When a car was available, Gloria and neighbor Jackie would gather the kids for outings, like Santa’s Village in San Bernardino Mountains, picking strawberries at South Bay fields, or going to the gourd farm. Gloria was blessed with a green thumb and a passion for plants. She always knew how to grow the best tomatoes, strawberries and chilis, and how to transplant flowers. She loved gardening and would often share cuttings with family and neighbors. She enjoyed looking out her window to see all the blooming flowers in neighbors’ yards from plants she shared with them.

Gloria always sewed her own curtains, dresses, clothes for her children and doll clothes. With so many daughters, Gloria taught them to sew their own school clothes. She would plan a trip to a yardage store for each to pick patterns and fabric.

Family camping trips at La Jolla Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Baja were always great times and fun for kids, friends and grand kids. Gloria was busy in the background preparing the necessities, but as the day wound down, it was great to see Gloria and Nick enjoying a cracking campfire or dancing and singing with friends to Mariachi music.

In later years, while raising her children and some grandchildren, Gloria volunteered her time to a St. Rita’s Sodality as bookkeeper, cooking food for Bingo night, running errands for the nuns, laundering cassocks, cleaning the church, working the annual bazaar and serving coffee and donuts after Mass.

Gloria also had a part-time job working at El Toyon Elementary School across the street, minding the kids during recess and lunch. All the kids got to know her and would flock to her house on Halloween. Over the years, as some kids became adults with their own kids, they would come by to say hi.

Before Christmas each year, Gloria would plan tamale making parties showing her children and grandchildren how to make tamales the way her mother taught her. Those days were great fun, Nick serving drinks and Gloria critiquing our meat, chili and masa, making wonderful memories as each year we got a little better at making tamales for our own families.

We will miss the gatherings at Mom’s house with so many family and friends in attendance. The house often felt like an oven with wall to wall people, laughing, eating and drinking.

Mom will be sincerely missed and was very much loved by her friends and family. Her love, her laughter, and her spirit will forever be a part of us. Rest in peace.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6-8 pm at:

El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, Ca 92121.

A Mass and celebration of life for Gloria Martinez will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00 am at:

St. Rita’s Church 5124 Churchward St., San Diego, Ca 92114

Burial to follow at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, Ca 92121

Reception following from 2pm - 7pm at:

Marina Village Baja Room, 1936 Quivera Way, San Diego, CA 92109