Gloria Jean Corral, age 74, loving mother of four, passed away on the 24th of February after courageously fighting a month-long battle with Covid19. On May 23, 1947, Gloria was born in Bakersfield, CA, to parents Guadalupe and Tony Gonzales. She was the eldest of her four siblings. In her early adulthood, Gloria worked in various settings, including a computer programmer for the Los Angeles County Fire Department and speech pathology assistant. Before she settled on teaching, her true passion. Gloria went on to work for the Kern School system for over 25 years. Many of those years she spent as a kindergarten teacher at Cesar Chavez. She loved the children she taught and was never forgotten by her students. You would often find her tucked away in her room, working on projects for her classes. She took joy in finding new and fun ways to teach her kids.
Outside of work, she made being there for family a second full-time job. She was a dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother who adored her grandkids. There was nothing you could ask of her that she wouldn't gladly do. She also enjoyed doing ministry in her community through music and visitations to local convalescent homes and Women’s shelters. She was selfless, courageous, insightful, gracious, and always saw the best in others. She loved singing and could always be found with a smile on her face.
Gloria is survived by her children, Joseph Flores (Taricia), Monique Perez (Eddy), Rebekah Corral (Joey), Estrellazul Corral-Gaggioli (Matthew), as well as her grandchildren, Alex (Kahala) Joshua, Lucas, Mina, Kaden, Kody, great-grandchildren Jonah and Olivia. Grand-pups and kitties, Buddy, Penelope, Violet, Willow, Indy, Teddy, and Cub.
