Gloria Hangka Cruz

Gloria Hangka Cruz was born on April 16, 1941, in Negros Oriental (Siquijor) Philippines, to proud parents Philomeno Bahian Hangka and Gertrudes Larot. She was the second oldest of ten children and became a revered pillar of her family — carrying strength, wisdom, unconditional love, and yes, even her lucky spirit and love for gambling.

She is survived by her six beautiful children: Leonardo, Luzviminda, Vilma, Loida, Noralie, and Geraldine. She also leaves behind her loving siblings Corita, Robert, Edward, Jaime, Rodrigo, and Evelyn, and joins her late siblings Yolanda, Manuel, and Rogelio in eternal peace. Gloria was also a proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren — a beautiful and honorable legacy that will continue for generations.

Growing up in the Philippines taught Gloria the meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and hard work. Even at a young age, Gloria stepped into responsibility, helping raise her younger siblings and working in the family’s sari-sari store to help provide for the family.

Gloria later married Feliciano Cruz and raised five of her six children in Bambang, Taguig. Her love for her children became the driving force behind one of the bravest decisions of her life — leaving everything familiar behind to come to the United States in search of a better future for her family.

She arrived in Hayward, California, in April 1982, staying with her sister-in-law Clarita while searching tirelessly for work between San Francisco and Virginia. Through determination and sacrifice, Gloria eventually found stability at the 9th Street San Francisco Hotel while working at the Meridian Hotel. Vilma was the first of her children to join her from the Philippines, followed by the rest of her family. In August of 1985, Gloria welcomed her youngest daughter, Geraldine.

In the Bay Area, Gloria became known for her incredible Filipino delicacies. Whether it was her famous lumpia, crispy chicharron, smoked tinapa, or other homemade specialties, she always found a way to provide for her family. Gloria was resourceful, hardworking, and what many would lovingly call a humble hustler — always making something out of nothing with her own two hands.

But beyond her hard work, Gloria knew how to enjoy life. She loved fishing, dancing, cooking, laughing, and spending time with family. She was known for her early morning birthday calls — sometimes calling at 6 a.m. just to make sure you never forgot someone’s special day. Those calls, no matter how early, were little reminders of how deeply she loved and cared for the people around her.

And of course, Gloria loved trying her luck. She often took bus trips to Reno for bingo and enjoyed card games like Texas hold ’em and pusoy with family and friends. In her final days, she was surrounded by loved ones at the pai gow table, still hoping for that elusive seven-card royal flush in spades.

Between 2002 and 2014, Gloria also called Sacramento and Texas home before eventually settling permanently in Las Vegas.

After a long and courageous journey on dialysis, Gloria was lovingly called home by the Lord, passing peacefully at home surrounded by those who loved her most.

Gloria gave us 85 beautiful years of love, guidance, sacrifice, strength, and unforgettable memories. She taught us resilience, generosity, and the true meaning of family.

Gloria was truly a light in this world. Her love, laughter, cooking, wisdom, strength, and beautiful spirit will live on forever through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone blessed enough to know her.

Visitation will be held at Palm Northwest Mortuary, Juniper Hall, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131, on June 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at Palm Northwest Mortuary, Juniper Hall, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131, on June 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm.