Ophelia Gloria Balcos

Ophelia Gloria Balcos, age 88, of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family—exactly one year to the day of her beloved husband Emmanuel’s passing. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader, Ophelia leaves behind a powerful legacy of service, compassion, and trailblazing leadership.

Born in Mabini, Batangas, Philippines on April 9, 1937, Ophelia was the daughter of Pedro Emilio Gloria and Flora Castillo Calangi. The eldest of six siblings—Hermie, Lita, Zeny, Arthur, and Manolo—she carried the values of responsibility and leadership from a young age.

She graduated from the Far Eastern University School of Nursing in 1958, where she also met her future husband, Dr. Emmanuel G. Balcos. The two secretly married and she followed him to the United States in 1959. They eventually settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they raised five children: Edwin (Kim), Ethan (Kimberley), Eileen (Stephen), Eydie (Darrin), and Eric (Robyn). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Nico, Jade, Alicia (Chris), Mitchell, Justin, Jacob, and Maya.

A registered nurse by training, Ophelia also took postgraduate training at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, but her contributions went far beyond the clinical setting. She became one of the most respected community leaders in Minneapolis and a nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and Filipino-American culture.

In 1981, she was appointed to the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights—a powerful, quasi-judicial body that protects citizens from discrimination and enforces civil rights laws. In 1988, Ophelia made history as the first woman and first Asian-American to be elected Chair of the Commission. She served as a commissioner for 17 years, and as chair for five consecutive years, where she led the organization during a time of internal division and restored its integrity and purpose. Under her leadership, the Commission created a civil rights curriculum integrated into the ninth-grade public school system, greatly increasing awareness of justice and equity in the community.

Her extraordinary record of “firsts” also includes being the:

• First woman president of the Fil-Minnesotan Association (1978–1979), where she founded the Debutante Ball, an annual tradition that continues to celebrate Filipino culture and community.

• First Asian president of the Hennepin Medical Society Alliance and Minnesota Medical Association Alliance, supporting medically-oriented charitable endeavors across the state.

• Vice-chair of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, appointed by the governor.

• Board of Governors member for the Auxiliary of Philippine Physicians in America.

She also served in leadership or advisory roles for the Parish Council of the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis Public Schools, American Medical Association Alliance, and various multicultural and civil rights organizations including the Women of Color Organization, National Association for Human Rights Workers, and the Asian Women’s Action Committee.

A deeply devout Catholic and fierce advocate for justice, Ophelia was often called a “Peacemaker” and “Guardian of Civil Rights”. Her work earned her dozens of accolades, including:

• Outstanding Filipina in Minneapolis

• Twenty Outstanding Filipino Americans in the U.S. and Canada

• Overseas Filipino Outstanding Individual Award

• Mabini Outstanding Award (from her hometown)

• Community Service Award from FEU Nursing Alumni Foundation

• Proclamations from the Mayor of Minneapolis and the City Council, including the declaration of “Ophelia Balcos Day” on August 17

Her story was featured on the front cover of the Women’s Journal in the Philippines and included in the Women of Minnesota historical poster series by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Despite her many honors, Ophelia remained most proud of her family. Her children and grandchildren were her joy and the heart of her life’s work. She will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, strength, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people.

A visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 11, at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, followed by a Catholic Mass at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in the Teresa of Calcutta Hall (lower level).