GLORIA T. FRANCISCO
DECEMBER 18, 1928 - NOVEMBER 24, 2009
MARINA – Gloria T. Francisco peacefully passed away on November 24, 2009 at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, following complications from surgery. She was 80 years old.
Gloria was born on December 18, 1928, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines Islands. She attended school in the Islands where she met and fell in love with Felipe Francisco. They married in 1947 and began a 62 year journey that would take them all over the world, collecting a lifetime of memories, and raising a family of seven children.
Gloria and Felipe eventually moved to the Monterey Peninsula, settling down in Marina after Felipe retired from the U.S. Army in 1966. Gloria, who had been a homemaker and housewife, began work in the mid-70's at the Fort Ord Post Exchange (PX). She was a hard working, dedicated employee for the PX for 19 years when she retired as Head Cashier Supervisor.
Gloria was a happy, loving and friendly person to all she met. She was kind-hearted, compassionate and caring. Gloria provided her children and loved ones with an endless supply of generosity, laughter and understanding. She was "the glue that kept the family together in good times and bad". She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all that knew her.
Gloria was passionate about music and dancing. Her favorite song "To Each His Own" by Tony Martin was Felipe and Gloria's "special song." She loved having lunch at Marina Donuts and Bagels, visiting with friends. She was active with the Philippine-American Cultural Society and had enjoyed singing with the society during the holidays.
In the golden years of her life, Gloria began having various health issues as well as trying to care for Felipe and his medical needs. Through it all Gloria remained courageous and thought of others before herself. She stayed for a brief period at the Monterey Pines Skilled Nursing Facility where she brightened the lives of residents as well as employees who met her. She loved all who cared for her during her stay at the nursing facility.
Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Felipe; seven children: Teresita Sandoval of Marina, Ricardo Francisco of San Jose, Daniel Francisco of Los Angeles, Norma Francisco of Piedmont, Ida Francisco of San Francisco, Edward Francisco of Marina, and Anthony Francisco of Los Angeles; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, CA on December 2, 2009 between 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary. A celebration Mass of Gloria's life will take place at St. Jude Catholic Church, 303 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA on December 3, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. immediately followed by the burial service at Mission Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the St. Jude Catholic Church hall after the burial.
For more information, please visit www.mem.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Mission Memorial Park and Seaside Funeral Home, Seaside, CA.