Gloria Gonzales

Gloria Gene Gonzales (née Torrez), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at the age of 70.

Born on January 17, 1955, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gloria was a creative, caring, and fiercely generous woman who gave of herself endlessly-and joyfully. She was the daughter of Jose E. Torrez and Bersabe (Bertha) Zamora Torrez, both of whom preceded her in death.

On January 27, 1976, Gloria married the troublemaker next door, Johnny Gonzales, at St. Anne's Church in Albuquerque. Together they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and family. Though widowed in later years, her connection to Johnny remained-especially through music, particularly the soulful voice of Patsy Cline, which always seemed to bridge the space between them.

Gloria is survived by her devoted children, Jason Gonzales and Amanda Gonzales; and her cherished granddaughters, Mikaela and Deemah Krumbach-Gonzales- whose births marked some of the most meaningful moments of her life. Becoming a grandmother wasn't just a new chapter for Gloria-it was a calling she embraced with deep pride and unconditional love.

Her love and care was felt many times over the years as an owner and operator of a home day care. Gloria stayed in contact with many of the families even up to her passing, showing what an integral part she played in many people's lives. She was a caregiver through and through.

Creative to her core, Gloria nurtured her children's imaginations and always made holidays-especially Halloween and every single Christmas- feel like pure magic. She gave gifts with an open heart, ensuring no one ever felt forgotten. Whether sewing (with more talent than she ever admitted), crafting, baking, or making jewelry, her hands were always busy making something beautiful for someone else. Her "second-hand first" mentality wasn't just resourceful-it was filled with intention and care, always ensuring others felt seen and celebrated.

She loved old American films, westerns, musicals, and the occasional animated classic, but nothing ever quite compared to the sweeping drama of Gone with the Wind. She adored the color red, the humble beauty of carnations, and-perhaps most fittingly-held a fondness for dragons: powerful, protective, and uniquely majestic.

Gloria's life wasn't perfect, and she wouldn't want it painted that way. Raised in the traditions of Catholicism, she navigated the expectations of her upbringing with quiet strength and a firm sense of self. She was not a martyr-just a woman of immense kindness, humor, and grit, who loved her family with all she had.

Her legacy is one of selflessness and sincere compassion. May those who knew her carry forward her generosity, her thoughtfulness, and her deep love for family.

A Rosary will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 2pm, followed by a Memorial Service, at FRENCH-Lomas.