Gloria Elena Cortez

Gloria Elena Cortez was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Gloria will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      Gloria was born on July 31, 1957 at home in Managua, Nicaragua. She was the daughter of Alberto Martinez & Maria DeJesus Bejarano. Gloria grew up in Managua, Nicaragua.

      Gloria had twelve siblings, her brother's are Alberto Jose, Roger Antonio, Sergio Manuel, Xavier Augusto, and Jorge Alberto. Her sisters are Martha Maria, Sonia del Socorro, Ligia del Carmen, Zaira Lucia, Estela, Alicia and melba. Gloria was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young girl, Gloria had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Gloria was an active child who took part in kickball and volleyball. She was envolved with Youth Catechism at Inmaculada Catholic School. In her spare time she liked to make paper dolls and their dresses, she also enjoyed drawing faces, writing poems and reading. However, to Gloria, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

      A typical teenager, Gloria had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Inmaculada Catholic School in Managua, Nicaragua in November of 1973. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was literature. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Sister Paul, Sister Susana, and Sister Fe.

      Gloria enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Gloria was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelors in Engineer and Architecture in 1979 from Autonomous Nicaraguan University. Her favorite courses were Design, Math, Calculus I and II along with Physics. Gloria enjoyed writing poetry and debating about any subject and she liked to be right.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Gloria enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Janet Abarca, Lutgarda Guadameiz, Ninoska Zamora, and Betsy Moncada. Later in life, she became friends with Ana Colomer.

      On May 4, 1993 Gloria exchanged wedding vows with Manuel Cortez at the Wedding Chapel in Los Angeles, California. Empathic and loyal, Gloria was committed to making her new family happy.

      Fortunately, Gloria enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Gloria worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was a Land Surveyor. She was employed for more than 20 years. Gloria always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Gloria enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were poetry, oil painting, and reading. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Gloria found pleasure in sports. In high school, Gloria played kickball and volleyball. Gloria was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so.

      Throughout her life, Gloria was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Gloria was a member of the Youth Catechism.

      Gloria’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Our Lady of Angeles Cathedral in Los Angeles.

      Gloria enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations were going to Nicaragua. Gloria’s retirement hopes were to retire in 2012 and return to Nicaragua.

      Gloria passed away on October 4, 2011 at Good Samaritian hospital in Los Angeles, California. She died after battling cancer for 9 years. She is survived by her husband, Manuel Cortez, her dad Alberto Martinez, and seven brothers and sisters. Services were held at Oakdale Memorial Chapel and St. Martha's Catholic Church. Gloria was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park.

      Simply stated, Gloria was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Gloria leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Gloria Elena Cortez.