Gloria Rosales, 67, was born on June 6, 1953 in Los Angeles, California to Carlos and Josephine Alonzo. Gloria grew up with her 3 sisters and 2 brothers - Rose, Carlos Jr., Virginia, Victoria and Paul. At the age of 15, while attending El Rancho High School, Gloria met Martin Rosales. They were married on Oct. 21, 1972 and had four children - Paul, Belen, Christopher, and Eric. Gloria was a stay-at-home mom for her children and also made herself available for neighborhood children, keeping an open home and providing rides when needed. Later, Gloria spent 18 years working as a lead mail-room operator until her health made work difficult. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Martin who passed in 2014, after 41 years of marriage and her daughter Belen who died days after birth.
Gloria had a few nicknames, including “Mama Coco” given by her sisters, and “Grandma Glo”, “Mama”, and “Madre” by her children. Gloria enjoyed cooking and baking and was skilled in the art of crocheting, sewing, beading and jewelry making. She rarely missed a Dodgers or Lakers game, she often had a puzzle in progress at the kitchen table while listening to her oldies, she kept up with her soap operas (some from their beginnings over 40 years ago!), she was always up for a game of Scrabble or more recently, Catan, where emotions ran high and her competitiveness came out with her family. Gloria shared a special bond with her sisters whom she cherished. They often teased each other with lots of laughter and name calling. Gloria made anyone who came into her home feel like family and she left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.
Gloria is survived by her three sons: Paul, Christopher and Eric; daughter-in-law Jessica; seven grandchildren: Malina, Daniel, Alyssa, Ashley, Belen, Christopher and Aria; and one great-grandson Benjamin.