Daughter of the late Demetrio and Petra Perez. She was raised in Fresno and migrated with her family as they all worked hard in the fields. Second to the oldest of her 7 siblings, she has four living sisters; Marylou, Yolanda, Olga, Anita and three brothers, Ray, Richard, Karlos, and her beloved, Amparo Perez.
Gloria graduated in 1969 from Central High School, and attended San Diego State to pursue a nursing career. In 1972, she married her soulmate Jose Luis Acosta, who was enlisted as a marine. They moved to Hawaii to start their lives together. The military took Gloria and Jose many places. They eventually planted roots in Austin Texas, before returning to Fresno California. Gloria always remembered fondly the days she was a homemaker, with her husband in children under one roof. In 1987 when her youngest child started school, Gloria went back to school to pursue her passion of helping others. In 1990 she achieved her calling and became a nurse. She blessed patients for over 15 years.
Gloria and Jose Luis Sr. were the proud parents to five beautiful children: Rebecca, Jose Luis Jr. (aka Pito), Teresa, Mary Petra & Sandra Anna. In 1995 Jose Luis Sr. passed away suddenly. While heartbroken, Gloria often spoke of her faith getting her through her worst days, God's grace. Gloria was later blessed with 10 grandchildren: Gabriella, Maya, and Sofia Ojeda; Cyrus & Ryan Kinzel; Emma, Olivia, and Lililiam Brueggemann; Diego & Mateo Murillo. Gloria was also blessed with top notch son in laws; Ronnie Ojeda, William Brueggemann, Matthew Higley and Uver Murillo. Who have been pillars for this family.
In 2015, Gloria suffered the unimaginable of having to bury her one and only son Jose Luis Acosta Jr. Again, Gloria leaned on her faith each day. While her health declined, Gloria always believed and claimed "It is well with my soul". Gloria spent her final season of life being cared for by her daughters, sisters, and so many “Angels” especially, Jesusita Acosta and Maria Calvillo and Margaret Fonseca.
“With God, all things are possible.” was the mantra she lived by. Gloria gave back in so many ways. For those who were thirsty, she shared her faith. She shared pots of beans for those who were hungry; tortillas, empanadas and buenuelos for her grandchildren. She shared her time crafting and sewing gifts. She shared her love of music and her talent with the guitar.
She spent her last hours at home surrounded by her beautiful daughters, clinging on to her eldest grandson’s hand, as she peacefully took her last breath. Exactly as she desired, with Grace and Serenity. She was met in heaven by her husband, son, mother and father, and all the loved ones who have passed.
