Gloria Elsa Esquivel

Gloria Esquivel, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother passed away to be with the Lord on February 27, 2023 after battling a serious illness with her loving husband Peter (John) by her side. Gloria fought till the end to get better. She is preceded in death by her beloved sons Roberto Esquivel and John Joseph (JJ) Esquivel. We rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her sons, Roberto and JJ.

Gloria was born on March 30, 1948 in Nuevo Laredo. She was raised in San Antonio, TX. Gloria attended Fox Tech High School where she would meet her future husband Peter J. Esquivel of 56 years, (he was called John in school) whom she loving called “John” or “My Pelon”. Gloria and John first met when they were sophomores in World History. Gloria would later say that John would always come to class ill prepared and would always ask her for paper which she always gave him. They both moved on to juniors and that’s when John got the courage to ask her to the Junior Prom and she said yes. John eventually asked Gloria to “Go Steady” and she said yes shortly after they attended the Junior Prom. When Gloria became a senior, John knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and proposed to her which she accepted. Upon graduation Gloria married John on February 4, 1967. John joined the United States Air Force and together they began their journey as a military family.

Gloria and John were blessed with 4 children, Roberto, Lisa, John and Paul. Roberto passed away due to premature birth in October 1967. John (JJ) passed away May 8, 2010 after battling cancer.

Peter and Gloria (military spouse) served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Gloria traveled with her husband (when it wasn’t a solo tour) each time he got orders and was stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Austin , Texas, England AFB, Alexandria, Louisiana, Hulburt Field, Okaloosa County, Florida, Randolph AFB, San Antonio, Texas, Bitburg AFB, Germany, Edwards AFB, Kern County, California and their final stop was Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas where John finally retired. John and Gloria returned to San Antonio with their children upon his retirement. Gloria always supported her husband throughout his military career by holding down the home front while he served his country. Gloria handled this with great strength especially having 3 children to care for. Gloria always made sure her family was taken care of during this time in their lives. There were lots of moves along the way and she always had things organized and ready to go. Gloria made many friends during this time and was always there to support other military wife’s. Gloria was very proud to be a military wife.

Gloria worked during John’s military career and thrived wherever she worked. Gloria had a strong work ethic and always made sure any job she had she excelled in it. Gloria juggled work life and home life and always made it work and always made time for her family. Gloria always made it look easy by getting things done on the home front and work front. When they lived at Edwards AFB in California, Gloria worked for Kentron International entering data for the United States Space Shuttle program. When they moved to Del Rio, TX, Gloria began working for the Del Rio Herald Newspaper setting up print for the advertisement ads. In 1985 she took a job with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and began her career as a public servant serving the state of Texas. Gloria served Texas for 14 years. Gloria finally hung up her work hat for full time home life to take care of her home, children and her husband.

Gloria was blessed with 2 grandsons and 1 great grandson. Gloria loved this role the most as she got to love and spoil them. Gloria was very hands on with her grandchildren and great grandchild by caring for them, baking with them, reading to them and gardening with them on her front porch. They were the light of her life and she loved them all fiercely. They miss her so very much.

Gloria fell ill in June of 2022. Gloria was in and out of the hospital battling various health conditions and always fought with courage and grace. Her husband never left her side during this time and she had the full support of her family behind her. Despite being ill she was still always worried about her family and reminded us all of things that needed to be done and to always be careful. She continued to keep her husband John on his toes as she always had. She loved all of us and we always felt that. Gloria continued to fight till the end but eventually succumbed to her illness and passed away with her beloved husband of 56 years, John at her side. John is heartbroken and feels lost without her. We will support our Dad every step of the way as my brother, Paul and I (Lisa) promised my mother we would take care of our Dad and we fully intend to honor her wishes.

Gloria was a very strong, courageous woman, who fiercely loved and took care of her family and friends. Gloria never let her disability define her and always pushed herself to do all the things she loved to do. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Peter “John” Esquivel, her daughter, Lisa M. Guerra and her husband Martin Guerra, her son Paul H. Esquivel and his wife Yvonne Esquivel, grandsons, Gabriel Hackett, Branden Esquivel and great grandson, Gabriel Hackett Jr. Gloria was a loving wife, mother, Nana, Bonana, Nanny and friend. We are all heartbroken. Her memory will be cherished by her loving family and friends.

A visitation for Gloria will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78205. The funeral procession will depart the funeral home the following morning, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 9:30 AM for a funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. James Apostle Catholic Church, 907 W Theo St., San Antonio, Texas 78225. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelRoyAkers.com for the Esquivel family.