Tengo la tarjetita de Gladys en mi altar para este, y todo, Día de los Muertos. Espero estén todos llenos de paz y que sepan lo mucho que fue apreciada por las Mofongo Chicas.  Norma Martí

Gladys,  

Thank you for all your help. I tried to get in contact with you after you shared you where I'll. I had no idea you had passed.  May you rest in Peace. My condolences and prayers go to your family and friends.  Gracias por todo , hasta pronto 🙏💖

Tonight I am remembering my friend Gladys even though it has been months since she passed. Our conversations and her encouragement to me as a Christian will always be with me. Thank you Lord for for allowing me Me  To have This godly woman in my life. Love Sue Lynn Ledford 

My deepest condolences to Gladys husband, daughter and the rest of the family and friends.

I met Gladys at work and she always had a smile and a word of gratitude towards the Lord. She always shared with me about how sweet was her devotional time with the Lord. Her trust was always in the Lord her God.

I miss you. But I know that you are with the one who your soul loves, Jesus your Savior.

First, my deepest condolences to Glady's family, especially to her daughter Tamara, Glady's husband, Amir Motealleh, her baby brother Freddy and his wife Norma. Truly I believe that there are no words to express how they must be feeling at this time.

I met Gladys approximately 10 years ago at a different church. We were both part of a very small group of ladies (four of us,  if my memory serves well). We were the Spanish Translation Ministry team. I think it is worth noting that, pastor Johnny Rivera, now Abide's beloved pastor, was who oversaw that ministry during the time.

I clearly remember that when it was my turn to serve, Gladys would stay a bit longer to help me set up the equipment to get ready for the ministry. Translation was done during the last service which was around noon time. Gladys mostly attended the first service (at approximately 8:00a.m.). I mentioned this to say what so many had already pointed out: Gladys was always willing to go the proverbial "extra mile" to help others. But what I remember the most is her perpetual smile and cheerful self. She was a uniquely kind spirit.

Now, during this bittersweet time, her departure from this world to meet Our Sweet Savior for eternity, I remember how she would say "hasta luego chica" (1). She would tell me that after a service or after any function we would attend together. I would like to say the same to her now: hasta luego chica!! 

My dearest sister friend,  you will forever live in our hearts.

Love always, Altagracia.

 (1) See you later girl.

I remember the first time I I met Gladys, we were at church years ago, she was sitting close to me and my family and she was so kind with such a pleasant smile. We began to chat after the service and enjoyed the conversation between her and my family. Little did I know how small the world really was...some short time after, we bumped into each other at work! Not only did we attend the same church, but we were worked for the same agency and on the same floor! What a pleasant surprise, from then on, we would continue to have wonderful talks about family, future, our relationships with the Lord, and the best part were the laughs. Gladys had a wonderful sense of humor😊 She adored her family and the Lord, she was so proud of her daughter and loved to share about her with others.  I will miss her and the time I was allowed to know her and share a friendship with her, she was always so calm and had so much peace. I take comfort in knowing that she is now  resting  with our God. 

Gladys, God called you by name
Transforming you, never to be the same
He took you with Him To a glorious new life 
Compare to nothing we can imagine or think on this side
 
In quiet and stillness, He carried you home
As you reach out your arms to His warm embrace
So beautiful, peaceful – such splendid grace
Changed at the twinkling of an eye
Radiant and glorious in His sight
 
A heavenly home filled with love beyond measure
Oh, what marvelous, unfathomable treasure
Home abiding with Jesus for eternity
Joyful, elated, healed and free
No more tears, no more suffering, no more pain
Home surrounded by His glorious presence
My sweet, sweet sister, heaven you have gain
 
Written by M. Carmen Vázquez
Inspired by God’s Holy Spirit


Gladys was a great community leader that was respected by all. I still remember the first time I met Gladys. It was during an Alpes meeting.  It didn't take long for us to connect. She was always so welcoming and friendly. She always spoke so highly about Tamara, her daughter. She was so proud of Tamara being a teacher! She wanted me to meet and connect with her daughter. We did and Gladys was so happy that I met her daughter. Tamara, your mother always spoke so highly of you, she was so proud of the woman you turned to be.  She told me to keep an eye on her Tamara!!! 

Gladys Beautiful  Woman of God
She would hold a conversation with anyone  even if she did not know them. I know Because she didn't know me and she hold a conversation with me like she knew me her whole life not sure if its because she was born in Ponce PR. where my parents were born but I loved to conversate with her. Like Paul said you fought the good fight you finished the Race.  I pray the Lord to give the Family comfort as they know she is with Jesus its still very painful to let go of such a WONDERFUL Soul.  God Bless the Family. 

Kind, caring, passionate and loving are few of the words that can describe Gladys. I am grateful for her life and her passion for serving others. I met her a few years back through work related activities. I quickly learned that she liked helping people, her passion was serving the less fortunate and those without a voice. 

I will always remember her calling me Nena. I will always cherish her genuinely asking about my girls. Something I will never forget is that she stopped by my house and brought me bedtime book for my daughter because she was scared to sleep at night by herself. Through reading the book my little one has learned to read more of Gods word and to pray more so that all fear is gone. It worked!!! 

I am happy that she touched my life, I am proud that she never hid her faith.  It is that faith that I saw when I mesaged or talked to her. I know that she is now rejoicing with our loving Father. 

You will be missed my friend, but never forgotten. 


I remember that shortly after Gladys retired, she contacted me because she wanted to be a volunteer at Centro para Familias Hispanas. 
She came prepared on her first day and ready to serve our clients. That day, I had to do a home visit and needed an extra pair of hands. Gladys offered to join me and we visited the family together. She was so helpful and so engaged with the family. The visit took a bit longer than expected and we ended up being together for about 3 hours that day. I was able to know her more that day and to see how joyful and positive she was. I will always cherish that memory and her enthusiasm to help others. 
My last meal with Gladys was at a CAC retreat  probably at the beginning of this year. At lunch time, we sat together and she noticed that I liked the way her salad looked but I had already chosen another tray. She went and grabbed one for me after everybody had eaten and said:  "Here, take this, you need to enjoy it just as I did". And sure thing, it was delicious. She was kind and loving. Needless to say that she will be greatly missed! 

What a Sista Gladys is to me!  Her presence and spirit and candidness stuck with me from the first meeting we had as colleagues in the mid 2000's:  public health meets county planning.  When I needed someone to "tell it like it is" to me, call Gladys.  When I needed someone to share insight on how to engage folks who usually don't have a voice around the table, call Gladys.  She spoke up loudly and clearly  and soulfully more for others than herself.   And she ACTED.  She WALKED her talk!  Our last ACTION together was in the midst of her recovery in February 2020  - advocating for the 2020 Census at Green Road Library!  

I will miss my Sista.  You taught me well.

Thank you beautiful Gladiz for the little moments of joy and wisdom that we share, I will always keep them in my heart,
 I perceived in your smile how simple life is, without seeing the social levels, your being was open to welcome whoever came to your train of life.
My sincere condolences beautiful family.
May the Almighty receive in his beautiful hands an angel who has come to meet him, rest in peace, and may his family understand with wisdom and strength the designs of the creator, he created us and we return to him, Amen.

my san wife is verey good and i liked her verey much.i have live 5month only .she help me and respect me verey much when i was in usa .she is in my heart everey moment .i hope her ghost be near holy maryam
poran

I have been hesitant about writing because I don’t think I can put into words what Gladys did or who she was for me. Gladys was one of those people who make a great impact and take care of their community without expecting anything in return. From taking me to hair salons to eating tacos at El Ranchito, to being a member of our Juvenile Justice Sex Education CAC, to telling me when she heard something related to DACA and seeing who I am without making it a big deal. Gladys is truly the embodiment of a believer who loves and doesn’t point fingers. Mil gracias por querernos tanto. Tu presencia física nos hará mucha falta. 

In 2007, when Gladys start working with us at WCHS she quickly were loved not only by our team but by so many people all over the County and State.  She had such a powerful touch with a very soft approach.  Never trying to be in the spot light but always making a difference when she provided her input.  She always said to me that it was God who made her come to North Carolina for a reason. My heart is heavy and will always missed her. Gladys might be gone from this world but a little piece of her will always be in our hearts. My prayers goes to the whole family during these difficult times. Peace be with all of you. 

Gladys, Mofongo Chicas will always miss your smile, kind advice, & “como se dice” Boricua moments. Your quiet soul illuminated the life you boldly lived...gently.  I know we’ll sit together at that lunch table, eat a pastel y arroz con gandules and tell wonderful stories yet to be created...Que en Paz descanse, amiga.

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. I met Gladys upon her arrival at Wake County Human Services HIV/STD Community Program. She was a loving soul and showed kindness to everyone regardless of the situation. Even after my departure, Gladys was still supportive of my future endeavors. I’m so saddened to hear about losing her fight to cancer. She will truly be missed and forever in my heart ❤️ 

Gladys thanks for doing all you can in our community. The last time I saw you, you encouraged me about NCSEXCON. I really appreciated the support. We shared a few laughs while you were here and your smile was infectious. Prayers to your family. 

My best memory of Gladys was her beautiful smile, her love for the Lord and for his people. She was fearless and I admire her for that. I enjoyed our talks at work. Love her dearly. 

*Gladys, your memory and impact will live on.



Still, in shock to have recently learned of Gladys’s battle with Cancer followed by her transition from earth to heaven on 10/30, and I am deeply saddened.  Gladys and I worked alongside each other for 11 years (2007-2018), and we shared a lot of special moments.  While, we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, there was a mutual respect between us and a shared love for God that transcended all else.

Gladys, you will be missed.  It’s one thing to retire and leave the organization, and a whole other when it’s eternal.  Your memory and impact with live on.

To the family—I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers that our Father God will comfort, provide you all peace, and give you all wisdom, during this time of bereavement and for the days ahead.

Sincerely,
Natasha Bowen
Wake County Human Services
HIV/STD Community Program

Ms. Gladys volunteered on our Community Advisory Board at UNC for HIV research. She always made me smile when she would say "I am not here as a public health professional, I am here as a Latina, to represent us for research". She was dedicated and passionate about serving the community. Ms. Gladys will be truly missed.

It is a special person who you can meet once and never forget. Gladys was such a person. She radiated warmth for others and kindness. Smart and unafraid to question, advocate, suggest, she was a tremendous force for good. Her spirit and example lives on in all of us, who when challenged, can ask themselves, what would Gladys say or do? 

It was a joy and an honor to work with Gladys at Wake County Human Services.  We were 'neighbors' in the office and she always gave encouragement or had a kind word.  I offer my deepest sympathies to family and friends.
Sincerely, JoAnn Douglas

I  have known Gladis for 35 years ,Through all this years  she brought  kindness and love towards  her  family and served  her community ,without any hesitation, She showed us  her loyalty  and true love ,she will always  be in our hearts. Rest in peace, because you are in a better place.and God bless her soul.

I am very touch  by her way of living, putting other firs, by her caring, by her love. She really fought the battle of faith...I don't have any doubts of where her  new  place is...Rest in peace dear Gladys. My condolences to her family. 

I will always feel the her Boricua spirit and her peaceful smile whenever I remember Gladys.  She always shined a light at our Mofongo Chicas gathering... the last one we had before COVID19.... her kind heart will always live in mine.

While I only had limited contact with Gladys through UNC's CAB, she was a ray of sunshine. Her dedication to helping others was always a priority and her legacy will live on through the lives of those she touched.
I send my condolences to her family and to all who were blessed by her remarkable life. God bless you Gladys.

She was my aunt and godmother. She was a hardworking woman who loved her family and always sought unity among all of us. She always put others first, leaving his own dreams and desires for later. Woman of faith who did not question God when sickness arrived, that is why we know that today she rests in the arms of our heavenly father.
We will love you forever titi Gladys!

OBITUARY

Gladys Bonilla

October 27, 1952 – October 30, 2020

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

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