Gloria Espiritu Duty

Gloria Arenas Espiritu Duty was born on August 16, 1935, in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, to Pedro Espiritu and Bernardina Arenas Espiritu . She was lovingly raised in Ilocos Norte and was the youngest of nine siblings: Irineo (Irin), Dominador (Ador), Remedios (Meding), Encarnacion (Cioning), Rosario (Charing), Pedro Jr. (Pete), Francis, Ester, and Loida (Luid).

Gloria shared especially close bonds with her sisters Meding and Luid, her brother Pete, and her dear friend Belle Baloy. Yet those who know Gloria well understand that her sweetheart, Albert, will always have the first dance.

On September 1, 1973, Gloria married the love of her life, Albert Duty, at Holy Angels Church in Daly City, California. They shared nearly 50 beautiful years of marriage before Albert’s passing in 2023. Their love story continues now in eternity.

Together, Gloria and Albert built a family grounded in love and devotion. They were blessed with their daughter, Angeline, and their son, AJ, along with their spouses, and their cherished grandchildren: Cresilla, Dean, Daniel, and Charleigh. Her family was her greatest pride and joy.

In the 1960s, Gloria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baguio Colleges Foundation. She went on to serve as a registered charge nurse in Canada, Chicago, Daly City, and National City. Her dedication to caring for others defined her professional life. Later, she chose to step away from full-time nursing to devote herself to raising her children alongside Albert.

Even so, Gloria remained deeply connected to her profession. She was an active member—and for many years, president—of the BGH School of Nursing alumni association. She also stayed engaged with her high school alumni community, proudly organizing grand reunions that brought together classmates across generations.

Gloria embraced life fully. She loved scrapbooking treasured photographs into beautifully curated albums, dancing and singing with joy, taking road trips, and visiting amusement parks—especially Disneyland. She enjoyed traveling to the Philippines, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Isleton CA, Secaucus, and New York, creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. For more than 40 years, she was a devoted parishioner of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, where she actively participated in church ministries and celebrations, including Santo Niño and Simbang Gabi. Her faith guided her, sustained her, and was reflected in her kindness and generosity.

Gloria Espiritu Duty peacefully passed away in her sleep of natural causes on February 6, 2026. She is survived by her loving sister Loida, her children and grandchildren, and many relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Mahal kita.

Viewing at Glen Abbey Mortuary on March 12, 2026 from 5-9pm in the Magnolia Room.Services will be held at the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at 10am on March 13, 2026. Gloria will be laid to rest on March 13, 2026 after church services in Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, CA.