Gloria Angelica Gonzalez

by Eric

May 18, 1930-May 20, 2022

Gloria Angelica(Morales) Gonzalez, age 92, peacefully passed into eternal rest on May 20th with family by her side in Austin, Texas. Gloria M. Gonzalez was born in McAllen, TX where she resided her entire life. She married Francisco G. Gonzalez in January 1948 and was the wonderful mother of 8 children. She had 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Despite the setback of becoming widowed at age of 40, she took on the role of both father and mother. She had a 10th grade education however earned her GED in 1978 to show us her true passion for education.

Gloria was an avid learner so after working as a retail clerk at Mangel’s downtown, it was no wonder that she began substitute teaching at McAllen ISD and surrounding school districts for about 25+ years. She loved working with children, especially in the Special Education area where she found her niche. Being a storyteller, she often told about these experiences so you probably heard one or two of those when you saw her. Gloria always felt a dedication to helping kids from every background.

Just to name a few of her accomplishments, Gloria was PTA President at Sam Houston Elementary for 20+ years and a Lifetime Member of the National Association of PTA. She was a member of Ladies LULAC, Sacred Heart Parish, Damas Catolicas, and Accion Catolica as well as teaching CCD there for many years. She was the last living Charter Member of Catholic Daughters of America at Sacred Heart Parish at the time of her death. Gloria helped raise funds for numerous Boys Club and United Way projects, Ladies LULAC Scholarships, and was Memorial High School’s first Director of Public Relations. Aside from that, she attended and supported all our Football & Little League Baseball games, and all McHi Band functions and events. In later years, Gloria served as Election Poll Watcher and Poll Judge.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Jesus and Emilia Morales, her husband, Francisco G. Gonzalez and 3 brothers (Leonel, Armando, and Gustavo) and one sister, Alicia Morales. She is survived by 3 sisters: Emilia Saenz of Stockton, Illinois; Aurora Olivarez of Haskell, Oklahoma; and Graciela Morales of Brownfield, TX, her eight children and spouses: Francisco Jr.(Janie); Roberto(Sandra); Rosalinda Osburn(Randy), Gilda Trevino, Ricardo(Martha); Gloria Alvarez(Arnold); Jesus(Irma); and Carlos Gonzalez, and all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Mom’s legacy will be her delightful smile at our annual Family Reunions held every Thanksgiving weekend. As Covid-19 put those on hold for 2 years and we saw her health decline, a special one was organized this past Easter so she could enjoy the love of her family once again.

Mom never was short on advice as taught by her life experiences or readings. As a life tribute, our family was asked to describe her in one word. Here are some of the words submitted: Leader; Learned; Fierce; Fearless; Tenacious; Resilient; Unique; and Supportive. Those words sum up all that she was and taught us to be. Thank you Mom for being our life-long teacher to the very end!!!

Gloria’s Memorial Service will take place Saturday, July 16th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen with Rosary at 9:00 AM and Mass at 10:00 AM with a procession to La Piedad Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately after burial at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall where friends and family will gather. Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen will assist in the mass and burial services.

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