Gloria Marlyn Fishel

Gloria was born on August 19th, 1947, in Kohala, Hawai‘i, to Betsy Helena Caravalho and George Perreira. She grew up with her three brothers: Nolan, the eldest; Duke, who followed her by three years; and Mark, the youngest. In the mid-1950s, the family moved to Kailua, O‘ahu, where their family home still stands.

Gloria graduated from Kailua High School, as did her future husband, Christopher Lee Fishel, whom she met through her brother Duke. Their first date was to a concert by The Doors, sparking a love that would carry through decades. Gloria earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Hawai‘i before leaving the islands for the first time to travel the world as a stewardess with Pan American Airlines.

Gloria and Chris lived in several states on the mainland before settling in the Bay Area, where she pursued nursing. After buying their first home in Daly City, CA, near Seton Medical Center, Gloria began her career in the Intensive Care Unit, where she would dedicate 40 years of her life. Nursing was not just a job for Gloria- it was her calling. She found deep joy in caring for others and was beloved by her colleagues and patients alike.

In 1985, Chris and Gloria purchased a home in Belmont, CA, to raise their daughter, Malia, who was born on February 6th, 1986. Gloria balanced three night shifts a week with her most cherished role: being a devoted mother. She was Malia’s strongest support and biggest cheerleader, present for every sport, recital, and dream her daughter pursued. Gloria was known as the “favorite mom” by many of Malia’s friends and as a beloved auntie and sister within her extended family.

Vibrant, healthy, and full of energy for most of her life, Gloria embraced each day with a zest for living. She loved arts and crafts, decorating her home, and cooking family recipes- especially her mother’s Portuguese dishes. In her final two years, she bravely battled vascular dementia, a journey that revealed her resilience and spirit even amidst challenge. During this time, her son-in-law, Danny Byrne, was a tremendous source of support, surrounding her with care and presence in her final chapter.

In recent years, Gloria’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother. She spent the last year and a half of her life cherishing her time with her granddaughter, Angeli Evelyn Byrne, witnessing her daughter step into motherhood. She was also blessed to meet four other grandchildren, conceived through egg donation: Lily, Poly, Lucy, and Stella, who live in Florida with their fathers. Gloria’s heart was full of pride and love for all of her grandchildren.

Gloria’s presence was radiant and nurturing, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her loving spirit lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her care.

She is survived by her daughter Malia Carvalho, son-in-law Danny Byrne, granddaughter Angeli, brothers Nolan, Duke, and Mark, her grandchildren Lily, Poly, Lucy, and Stella, and her extended family. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and nurse whose legacy of love, compassion, and strength will endure for generations.