Gloria Montejo Gonzales

January 12, 1930 – February 13, 2025

At 95 years old, Gloria Montejo Gonzales peacefully passed away on February 13, 2025, in San Diego, California, as the last surviving member of the Montejo family from Legazpi City, Philippines. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and devout Catholic, she leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, enduring love, and remarkable craftsmanship.

Born on January 12, 1930, in Albay, a southern province on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, Gloria's early life was shaped by resilience. Her family moved to Legazpi City around 1941, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. As a young schoolgirl, she learned to speak Japanese and Spanish. By her teenage years, she had been trained as a seamstress—a skill that would become her lifelong craft—and later married a master cutter who owned a tailor shop. There, she honed her skills even further and began making beautiful garments, not just for customers, but for the growing family she dearly loved.

Married at 17, Gloria was blessed with seven children—five girls and two boys. One of her daughters sadly passed shortly after birth, a loss she carried tenderly in her heart throughout her life. Gloria lovingly made clothes for her children and worked tirelessly to support their education. With the help of her devoted siblings, who helped care for the children while she worked in Manila, she ensured that her family had every opportunity to thrive.

In 1980, Gloria made a bold decision to immigrate to the United States, joining two of her daughters whom had already settled in San Diego, California. A proud moment came in 1985, when she officially became a United States citizen—an achievement she held with deep gratitude and pride. In the years that followed, she petitioned four of her children to join her in the U.S., gradually reuniting her family and laying the foundation for the life they would all share together. She lovingly cared for her granddaughters in their early years, and when they began school, she returned to the workforce. Though she initially resumed her work as a seamstress, Gloria eventually found both joy and practicality in a housekeeping role at Casa de las Campanas in Rancho Bernardo, largely thanks to the convenience of carpooling with friends… and eventually introduced her to someone who would become very special. While working there, Gloria met Barney Schuffman, a kind and thoughtful gentleman who quickly became a dear friend. Their friendship blossomed into a loving partnership that lasted for 10 wonderful years. Together, they shared countless adventures—whether it was traveling or simply playing tourist in their own city, exploring the sights of Southern California. Gloria worked at Casa de las Campanas until her well-earned retirement in 2005. She and Barney remained devoted to one another until his passing in 2007.

Family meant everything to Gloria and she was the heart of her close-knit family. She delighted in traveling—whether returning to her beloved Philippines, taking a cruise to Alaska or the Caribbean, or visiting European cities. Her favorite travel companions were her youngest son, Ray, and daughter-in-law, Susan, or her daughters—her “girls,” as she fondly called them: Angie, Belen, Gloria and Irene.

In addition to traveling, Gloria had a green thumb and loved tending her garden, especially her gardenias and plumerias. She grew lots of colorful flowers and vegetables and generously shared them with her family and neighbors. She loved being outdoors in the sunshine—watering plants, enjoying walks on the beach, or simply spending time with loved ones. Gloria believed in wellness, staying active, eating mindfully, and keeping a joyful spirit. Among her favorite things were listening to Nat King Cole, enjoying pizza and beer (but only on rainy days!), and shopping—just like any other girl! In later years, she passed down her treasured sewing skills to her daughters, Irene and Benilda, who learned most from her. Each piece she created was a token of her love, she often created pieces for her daughters, grand-children and great grandchildren. She was sewing up until a week before she passed.

Known affectionately as “Loling” in her youth and “Mama” to nearly everyone since the birth of her children, Gloria was a woman of religion, grace, humility, and quiet wisdom. Her favorite sayings—“Let them be,” and “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it”—perfectly reflect her belief in kindness and patience.

Gloria’s life was a beautiful testament to the strength of love, the importance of family, and the beauty found in simplicity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts by all who knew her. She embraced every journey with her signature warmth, humor, and grace – and leaves behind a light that continues to shine in all of us.

We cherish you forever, Mama.

Gloria is survived by her daughter Angie Acda of Murrieta, California; her daughter Benilda Gonzales of Escondido, California; her son Isagani Gonzales (Mila) of Banning, California; her daughter Gloria Priefler (Frank) of San Marcos, California; her daughter Irene Deppen (James) of Prescott Valley, Arizona; and her son Ray Gonzales (Susan) of San Diego, California.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Alberto Gonzales.

Gloria is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by 2 brothers and 3 sisters.