Gloria Maria Colón, 90, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, in Hempstead, New York. Born on December 16, 1935, to Julia (d. 2006) and Emilio Reyes (d. 1981), Gloria was the eldest of ten children. Her siblings were Lydia, Luis, Hector, Loida, Josue, Miriam, Elizabeth, Benjamín, and Ruben. Her early years in Aguirre, a historic ward within Salinas, Puerto Rico, were surrounded by a large, close-knit family, that shaped the humor, generosity, and steadfastness that defined her life.
In May 1955, Gloria moved to Brooklyn, New York. She quickly built a life there, working in a local garment factory and faithfully serving her church, Bethesda, where her natural leadership and musical gifts shone in the choir and Sunday School.
In June 1958, Gloria married Israel Colón (d. 2010). Together they raised seven children: Nivia Esther Maldonado (Carlos L.), Gloria Esther Colón, Rosa Esther Román (Joel d. 2012), Lillian Esther Rivera (Ariel G.), Israel Colón Jr. (Bianela), Julia Esther Suereth (Justin K.) and Juan Manuel Colón. Gloria centered her life on her faith and family, guiding her children to develop their individual gifts and talents. She was their ultimate supporter in life.
Gloria served her local church in numerous capacities, including as an Elder, executive board member, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. Passionate about the Gospel, she once mentored the leaders of a small home fellowship group that grew rapidly into a thriving church plant in Corona, Queens, which recently celebrated 20 years of ministry.
Her home was the "hub" of the family, where she warmly hosted relatives, neighbors, and church family alike, offering both wisdom and delicious home-cooked meals. An avid creator, Gloria lovingly made crocheted garments, home decor, personalized handmade dolls, and newborn blankets that have become family heirlooms. Long before it was a trend, she had a knack for recycling and repurposing ordinary items, taking special pride in her custom dried-flower arrangements, which she simply signed, "Again by Gloria."
In retirement, Gloria moved to Spring Hill, FL with her sisters Lydia and Miriam. Together with Elizabeth and Loida, they cared for their mother, Julia. While living in Florida, she tended to a vibrant home garden and treasured every moment with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She traveled near and far to celebrate their births, graduations, games, and weddings, documenting these milestones with countless photos and videos. Whether joining family vacations or exploring new cities with her loved ones, she constantly thanked God for His generational providence.
Gloria will be remembered for her unwavering faith and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through her 7 children, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, who reflect and honor her best qualities through their own passion for service, ministry, creativity, and justice. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Israel, Sr., and her siblings, Luis, Hector, Loida, Josue, Miriam, Benjamín, and Ruben.
Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Turner Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609, US, on November 7, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Committal will follow at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens, on November 7, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Repass to follow at VFW Post # 9236, 3435 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach, FL from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider giving in one of the ways highlighted in the link below to honor our beloved matriarch.
https://www.danmaldonado.com/gloria
