Gloria Adele Lopes

Gloria was born in Hanford, California on August 17, 1927 to Louis and Mary (Barberi) Pia. She attended Hanford High School graduating in 1945 and went onto UC Berkley and Fresno State College majoring in early education.

On June 21, 1948 she married her high school sweetheart Edward “Eddy” Lopes at Mission San Juan Bautista. They settled in Hanford with Eddy working for Coffee’s and Gloria teaching at Lakeside Grammar School. Eddy was soon transferred to Bakersfield Coffee’s in the early 1950’s. It is there that they started their family.

Eddy and Gloria enjoyed a full life of celebrating family milestones, traveling, volunteering and working. They were active members of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. During their retirement years they traveled to many parts of the world, mostly taking cruises wherever the opportunity arose.

They made an annual trip to Mission San Juan Bautista to renew their vows, joined by their children and grandchildren.

Gloria was always active volunteering wherever she lived. She was a member of the St. Agnes Service Guild, Queen of the Valley Guild, Driving Cancer patients and for the Blind, Italian Catholic Federation, Bakersfield Lady Lions Club, and Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She also volunteered in many capacities at her children’s Catholic grammar schools. Gloria worked at Breuner’s furniture and Macy’s as her “fun” part time retirement jobs.

The Fresno Nazareth House became her new home in 2015. She became reacquainted with old friends and made many new ones. In addition to attending daily Mass and the Rosary she enjoyed participating in all activities with Bingo, Crafts, Rummikub among her favorites.

Gloria will be remembered for her strong faith in God with family and community as constant priorities throughout her life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Nguyen, the Sisters of Nazareth, Nazareth House Fresno, Optimal Hospice Care Fresno and Eric Kitsuwan, Physical Therapist with Omnia Healthcare.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edward of 67 years, sister-in-law Emily Fagundes and husband Al, brother-in-law Alvin Lopes and wife Marie, and sister-in-law Laverne Coelho and husband Frank.

She is survived by her children, daughter Janet Shebelut and husband Dr. Richard Shebelut, son Jim Lopes; grandchildren, Dr. Conrad Shebelut and wife Dr. Dorothy Shebelut, Major Andrew Shebelut, United States Air Force and wife Samanta Shebelut, Dr. Miles Lopes and Hallie Lopes Lometti; great-grandchildren, Stetson Lometti and Darwin Shebelut.

Due to Covid -19 restrictions a private burial will be held with a Memorial Celebration and Catholic Mass to be scheduled at a later date.

Remembrances may be made to The Sisters of Nazareth c/o Sister Rose Carey, 2121 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93703 or Optimal Hospice Care Fresno, 6780 N. West Ave. Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711.