Gloria Glory Cabreros Ballesteros

Gloria C. Ballesteros was born Gloria Ablao Cabreros on July 12th, 1940, in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. She was often referred to as “Auntie Laly” by her sisters and nieces or “Glory” sometimes. She was the second child of Francisco Farin Cabreros and Maria Concepcion Ablao Cabreros. They lived in the province of Dingras, Ilocos Norte – barrio Madamba up until 1967 when her father had petitioned for her family to emigrate to the U.S. Her father served in the U.S. Army while in the Philippines. Gloria comes from a big family consisting of older brother Angel (deceased), and her younger siblings: Erlinda (Linda), Concepcion (Conchita; decd.), Paquito (Boy), and Melecia (Mely). From her siblings, she gained one sister-in-law (Edith, wife of Angel), and two brother-in-law’s (Arthur (decd.), husband to Linda, and Robert husband of Mely).

SCHOOLING & WORK

Gloria attended St. Joseph College in the Philippines for two years. Upon early arrival to the U.S., she worked at a nursery pruning chrysanthemums; however, she was not fond of the job due to her dislike for worms, caterpillars, other insects, and especially snakes. Eventually, she went on to work at National Cash Register (NCR); as an electronic assembler. Her big break was landing the job at Lockheed Missile and Space Co., what is now known today as Lockheed Martin. While at Lockheed, she was also an electronic assembler. This was a pivotal movement highlighting her career as an electronic assembler. She was involved in one of Lockheed’s biggest military contracts building and assembling electronics components for the “Trident Missile”. She often mentioned how she and her team used to build electronic parts that would control the missile. One can say, “The Brains” of the missile. In late 90s She chose to retire early from Lockheed Martin.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Gloria met Honofre (Opring), Saladino Ballesteros, while still in the Philippines of their hometown Dingras. She was in college at the time, and he had recently completed military school for the P.I. in which he returned to complete his public schooling. Everything moved fast as they married in 1957 and had their firstborn son – Robert on February 7th, 1958 (decd. 2007). They went on to have five more children: Jerry (b. 6/13/1960), LeRay (b. 8/15/1962), Zaldy (b. 11/1/1964), John (b. 5/12/1967), and James (b. 3/5/1972). Gloria had always wanted a girl; therefore, she tried but called it quits after her sixth child. Nonetheless, Gloria and Opring were happily married for 34 years until Gloria became a widow at the young age of 52.

As we already know, Gloria comes from a big family. Having a family of her very own grew even bigger when she and Opring’s children went on to have families of their own, giving her eight grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

Jerry and first wife, Teresita (Tessie), has three children: Richard Anthony (1st grandchild), Cesar Tito (2nd), and Gloria Victoria (3rd). Gloria was beyond thrilled and excited to finally have a baby girl in the family and was given the honor of having her first granddaughter named after her. Gloria’s three oldest grandchildren are married, thus, allowing three additional grandchildren: Hector (husband to Richard), Jessica (wife to Tito), and Orion (husband to Gloria Vic).

Ray and wife, Marissa and their sons: Brandon Christian (5th), Matthew Thomas (6th), Joshua Luke (7th).

John and wife, DeAnne. Gloria gained additional step-grandchildren: Chris, Melissa and Josh. Step great-grandson, Noah is son to Melissa and Josh.

Jim and wife, Michelle, and their two daughters: Leia Michelle (4th) and Shiloh Elisabeth (8th).

Grandson Tito and wife, Jessica, and their two daughters: Jade and Jasmine (Gloria’s great-granddaughters).

HOBBIES & SERVICES

Gloria loved flowers of all kinds – orchids, lilies, but her favorite by far was red roses! She always had red roses around, especially on her altar. She was quite crafty as she was skilled in knitting with fine thread and later yarn, as suggested by her coworkers. She would crochet blankets and dresses for her dolls.

Gloria was tough, strict, and fair but approachable and always eager to lend a hand. She was not afraid to speak her mind. Nevertheless, she was a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved her family wholeheartedly.

Gloria was very active in the Filipino and mostly church communities. She was an avid traveler, often taking her grandchildren on trips to the Philippines, Hawaii, and wherever else she had her eyes set for vacation. She once ventured on a religious trip to Israel and other places. She is known for her generosity within the Catholic religion, especially in her hometown of Dingras. Overall, she was a devout Catholic.