Gloria Teles Pushker Saltz, age 93, formally of New Orleans, died February 9, 2020 in Encinitas, California. She was married to Benjamin Pushker for almost five decades and had three daughters. After being a widow for many years, Gloria married the late Gerson Saltz. She is survived by Judy P. Kase (Jack), Elizabeth P. Wolfson, Gail P.Trettin, step- children Andrea Joseph (Jay), David Saltz, Isaac Saltz, Louis Saltz ( Brenda), Solomon Saltz (Kayla), grand children Melissa Kase Soriano, Bucky Kase (Kelsey), Adam Jacob (Karla), Paul Jacob (Monique), James Trettin (Lee), Matthew Trettin (Nicole), Courtney Grant (Brian), grand children from her marriage to Gerson, great-grand children, great-great-grand daughter. She was the daughter of the late Rose Pesses Teles and Abraham Teles and sister of the late Bluma Mackler, Ann Aratchofsky, Solomon Teles and Fannie Regenbogen. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gloria was a valued member of the sales teams at Kreeger and Maison Blanche for 25 years. Following her career in sales she went back to college and earned three master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, Library Science and Education. At the age of 65, Gloria embarked upon new careers as published author of six children’s books, professor of children’s literature at Loyola and Xavier, and a storyteller for Young Audiences. During her storytelling presentations, she would make paper hats out of newspaper for each child.
Gloria embraced life and was always kind to everyone she met. She participated in water exercise, enjoyed her Red Hats group, traveled to Israel and Paris alone, was honored in the Cayman Islands for her accomplishments, played Pitty Pat the card game, Mahjong, Bingo, and was active in quilting and gardening. Her family said she had a green thumb because her indoor plants were beautiful.
At the age of 85, Gloria moved to a retirement community in the San Diego area. She participated in the center’s plays, singing groups, arts and crafts, exercise classes, and even became a Bat Mitzvah. More significant than that, in 1939, Gloria became the first female to become a Bat Mitzvah in the state of Louisiana.
Gloria was a doer. She was a person who got things done with vigor and efficiency. Her favorite saying was “As Nike says, “Just Do It!” She was always ready to go anywhere in a moment’s notice. She was adored by everyone who met her and will truly be missed.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Ahavas Sholem Cemetery, 4400 block of Elysian Fields Avenue, (Frenchmen Street gate) with Rabbi David Gerber officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Seacrest Foundation, Employee Appreciation Fund, 211Saxony Road, Encinitas, California 92024. An online guest book is available at www.lakelawnmeairie.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18