Gloria Natino Natino Badua

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Gloria Natino Badua who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Gloria was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Gloria knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Florencio and Honorata Natino. Gloria was raised in Agno Pangasinan, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Gloria learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Gloria was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Gloria was raised with two siblings. She had a younger sister, Paz, and a younger brother, Oscar. Gloria had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Gloria, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Gloria's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Gloria enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Gloria took part in patintero. In her spare time she liked to dance and socialize with friends and relatives. Gloria's memorable achievements included finishing third in her class in elementary education.

In school, Gloria was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Gloria was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Gloria’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Agno High School in 1947. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Literature. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Teodorica R. Villanuevo. In addition to graduating valedictorian in high school she will be remembered by classmates for directing a play "The Boor".

Gloria’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Gloria’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Gloria saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She entered a pre-med curriculum, earned her Associate of Arts and pursued her dream until she became a medical doctor; specializing in Pediatric Medicine.

Gloria was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Gloria was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Gloria came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Paciencia, Nablea, Anne Nino Josefina Fran and Salvacion Navato. Later in life, she became friends with DR. Lydia Koh Bulosan and DR. Adela Sanidad.

An objective and conscientious individual, Gloria reveled in the security of her family. On July 28, 1956 Gloria exchanged wedding vows with Florendo Badua at the St. Theresa Church of Honolulu, Hawaii. One of Gloria’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Gloria was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Gloria was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Gloria upheld her standards, she was a Pediatrician. She was employed for working as a physician from 1955-1995. Gloria was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Gloria approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing the piano and the organ, listening to music,shopping and photography. Gloria was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Being generous with her time and energy, Gloria liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Gloria was a member of the Glee Club. Throughout her later years, Gloria was an active member of the AMA.

A civic-minded person, Gloria was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Gloria was a Republican. During these years, Gloria applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Gloria. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She attended mass at Shrine of The Most Holy Redeemer for 15 years in Las Vegas Nevada.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Gloria used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Gloria had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included visiting the Philippines.

When Gloria’s retirement finally arrived in 1995, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved remaining in Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, she found new pleasure in shopping, watching TV, attending shows and having dinner with family and friends. In many ways, Gloria loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Gloria passed away on May 11, 2010 at her home, 521 Drift Stone Ave.due to end stage renal failure. She is survived by husband Florendo, her sister Paz, and brother Oscar, nieces Anne, Dawn, Florence and Lenore and Kathy; nephews Quez Jr, Michael, Erwin, Rafael, Glenn, Robbie, and William; sister in law Ella. Services were held at Palm Mortuary-Eastern Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew her would agree that Gloria was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Gloria Natino Badua did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Green Valley Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.