Gloria Ann Birkheimer

Gloria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother (Gigi), significant other, sister, aunt, and friend, and her passion for her family, friends, and life will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters Bev Birkheimer Phillips and Patty Birkheimer Hartong, and their husbands Clyde and Bob. She joins her husband of 50 years, Jim, and their son Jim Birkheimer, Jr., who preceded her in death.

Gloria leaves seven beloved grandchildren and their partners: Christopher Birkheimer (Meghan), Gretchen Birkheimer (Micah), Chivonne Carter (Cameron), Michael Dent (Sarah), Mark Dent (Julie), Amanda Birkheimer (Will), and Joseph Phillips (Andrea). She was extremely proud of their accomplishments and strength of character. And she was so happy to see them all in loving relationships, adopting their new partners as her own.

Gloria’s great-grandchildren brought a special joy to her heart and she dearly loved them. Tanner, Emily, Ethan, Benjamin, and Lincoln will miss their playtime with Gigi.

Not everyone gets a second chance at love, and Gloria was fortunate to find it with Steve Zamora. Their time together was cut short, but they lived it fully and Gloria loved Steve very much. They had a passion for fishing and spent time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and at Irvine Lake, and recently enjoyed road trips to Texas and Las Vegas. And after years of cooking for one, she was so happy to have someone who enjoyed her home cooked meals.

Gloria leaves her siblings Barbara Mabry (Tom), Roxanne Rothwell (Dave), and Ken Schumm. She was the oldest member of her extended family, and enjoyed both couples time and family occasions. She was a loving aunt to Catherine, Steve, Cindy, Mike, Tina, Brett, Stephanie, Jason, Kim, Steve, Tracy and their families.

And finally, Gloria leaves many close friends. From beloved family friends Nina and Chrissy, to her wonderful neighbors, to Al, Karen, Gertie and the Starbucks crowd, to her all her Westminster Mall gentlemen friends, and her new bowling friends; she touched many lives with her energy and positive spirit, and always gave of herself.

Her family and friends were blessed to have her, and this world is truly a better place because she was here. Remember her when you see someone in need of a friend or a shoulder, and treat them the way she would have. With love.