Gloria was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1936 where she spent her formative years. She first came to the United States via New York City, at the age of 19. Eventually, she settled in the Washington D.C. area with her mother Elisa, and sister, Connie, taking a job with the Pan American World Health Organization (PAHO). In 1961, Gloria married Gene Jonathan Grey, and they raised three children, Rachel, David, and Jonathan. Gloria loved her adopted country and became a citizen of the United States in 1967. In 1970, Gloria's husband, Gene, sadly passed away. During this difficult time, her deep Catholic faith was the force of her strength and optimism.
Gloria started a new chapter in life when she met Martin F. Liebrand and his three children, Elaine, Thomas, and Robert. Gloria and Martin married in 1972 and subsequently established their own version of the "Brady Bunch" by uniting both sets of children into one family.
Gloria's passions in life included her religious faith, family, and music. The piano was the centerpiece of her home, and she was always ready to play for anyone lucky enough to stop by. Her love of Latin music was evident whenever she sang Spanish songs and played her castanets. She loved taking photographs and videos, documenting her family's life throughout the years. Gloria had an affectionate, lively spirit and her smile would brighten any room. In the kitchen, she was famous for her lasagna, arroz con pollo, and flan. Gloria loved traveling and telling stories of her childhood in Colombia, and trips to Spain, France, and Italy.
Gloria was a devoted and loving wife to Gene (deceased 1970) and Martin (deceased in 2019) and loving mother to Rachel, David, Jonathan (Amy), Elaine (John), Tom (Carolyn), Rob (deceased). Beloved grandmother of Gene (Sabrina), Christopher (deceased), Zoe, Trevor, Mikey, Torry, and Andy. Daughter of Elisa Behar (deceased). Sister of Connie (Joseph), German (deceased), and Mauricio (deceased).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gloria's name to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church (Vienna, Virginia) and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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