Gloria Alice Watson

Gloria Alice Watson, 93, of Grand Junction Colorado passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. Born October 5, 1932 in Chicago she was the beloved daughter to Edmond and Alice Valiquet and a devoted wife to the late Price Watson.

A proud Chicago native, Gloria graduated in 1950 from Calumet High School. Gloria was a dancer from a young age and went on to share her lifelong passion with students as a dance instructor at the Valiquette Dance Studio with her aunts Ruth, Leola, Daisy and Florence Valiquette and Harriett Brown. She also taught at The Chicago Park District at West Pullman Park before moving to Huntington Beach California with her mother and father. Upon arriving in California, she established the Valiquet Studio of Dance in Costa Mesa, serving as its owner and a dance instructor.

Gloria was an active volunteer at the South Coast Repertory Theatre serving as an usher for many years. Many will fondly recall Gloria’s vibrant performances in Huntington Beach and San Clemente, events that filled hearts with smiles and joy. Throughout her dance career, she performed in a variety of venues and locations.

Gloria met and married Price Watson in 1978 in Huntington Beach and moved to San Clemente California. Price and Gloria purchased a home in Seal Beach where she resided until 2018 when she moved to Wimauma Florida. Recently Gloria moved to Grand Junction Colorado where she lived out her final days surrounded by loved ones.

Gloria loved catching up with friends and family on the phone, she loved watching Dancing with the Stars. She was an avid sports fan of all her past and present hometown teams. Gloria adored her father and loved telling stories of his fireman days in Chicago. Family and holiday gatherings were her favorite. Her grace on and off the dance floor reflected her warmth, joy and love for family and friends.

Gloria is preceded in death by mother and father Alice and Edmond Valiquet, an infant sister also name Gloria Alice and her husband Price Watson. She is survived by cousins Trudy Erickson, Vickie O'Malley, Gary (Gayle) Valiquet Bruce (Michelle) Valiquet, Pat Richards, Janet Richards, and Shirley Coville as well as many other friends and family.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday January 13th (her favorite number)2026 at the Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary at 2:30 PM located at 14801 Beach Blvd in Westminster California.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or to your local performing arts in her name.