Gregoria Urisar Cualio

Gregoria Urisar was born in El Quiche, Guatemala on July 17th, 1905, to parents Julian and Sophia (Noriega) Urisar. Her parents were of Italian and Spanish descent and were part of the first group of European pioneer immigrants who settled in Zacualpa, El Quiche, Guatemala. Her parents owned and operated a mercantile in Zacualpa. Gregoria was raised in Zacualpa and she had two siblings. In 1923, she married Rumaldo Cualio in Guatemala. Rumaldo was of Italian descent. From their union came nine children - five sons and four daughters.

In addition to her full-time job of wife, mother, and homemaker, Gregoria was a prayer leader and devoted member of her church - Iglesia De Dios Pentecostes. She was deeply involved in her church in Guatemala. She volunteered and supported her fellow church members in ways too many to mention. In 1975, Rumaldo passed away and was laid to rest in Zacualpa.

32 years ago, at the age of 75, in 1980, along with her granddaughter Gladis, Gregoria came to live with her family in Oregon. She became a U.S. citizen and continued to support and attend several churches during her 32 years in Oregon. Most recently, Gregoria attended Arkodesh church in Beaverton. Gregoria was blessed with exceptional health and spirit in her Autumn years and she was very energetic and "ready to go" until her very last days. She loved to travel and she had the opportunity to visit Canada, Rhode Island, California, and many Pacific Northwest destinations. She also returned to her home in Guatemala on 3 or 4 occasions to visit her family and friends.

On Wednesday, November 14th, at the age of 107, Gregoria passed away at home - peacefully under the tender care of her family and hospice. Gregoria received her wish - "When I die, I want to die in my United States". Gregoria, we love you and miss you. Thank you for all of the gifts you have given us over the years and for being such a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend.

Gregoria is predeceased by her parents Julian and Sophia; her husband Rumaldo; sons Andres "Neshito", Ramon "Ramoncito", and Francisco "Panchito" Cualio; her sister Alicia "Tia Lisha"; and brother, Pablo. Gregoria is survived by her sons, Arturo and Jose Luis Cualio; and daughters Rosa, Teresa, Maria Luisa, and Blanca Cualio; 19 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; and 50 great-great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Gregoria Urisar Cualio will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, Oregon, on Friday, November 23rd at 2pm. Please visit the guestbook portion of this site. Thank you.