Gloria Maria Archuleta's Obituary
Gloria Martinez Archuleta was born on September 19, 1940 in Fremont, Michigan to Thomas and Petra (Betty) Martinez. One year later she and her family moved to Texas; where she spent most of her childhood years. Gloria grew up amongst six siblings; Pete, Mary, Dora, Rosie, Tommy, and Terri. In 1953, when Gloria was thirteen years old, the Martinez family moved to Los Angeles, California. There, Gloria attended Lafayette junior high and later graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1958.
On January 31, 1959, Gloria married Albert Archuleta Jr. and eventually welcomed their first child, Albert Archuleta III. Soon thereafter, her family grew to include Cynthia Jean in 1960, Vienna Marie in 1961, Elizabeth Ann in 1963, Yolanda Geri in 1964, Sandra and Pete Martinez were adopted in 1967, and Gloria Maria born in 1979.
Gloria held family very dear and over the years she and Albert created many traditions. One of the most beloved traditions was their regular Archuleta vacation to Yosemite, California. It started with their children and continued on through the generations. During this last August, Gloria took her last trip to Yosemite, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Along with her passion for family, Gloria was also very much a career woman and advocate for fair working conditions. In the early 1960’s Gloria became an operator at the largest telephone company in California, Pacific Bell. During her time at PacBell, she helped to organize their first union and coordinated strikes to bring awareness of workers rights. Her passion for unions became a family affair, with her children walking the picket lines with her. While working full-time for Pacific Bell she also attended Compton College and received her Associate of Arts degree. Although at that time she was unaware of the legacy she was creating through her love for education and strong work ethic, she created a pathway for her family. Gloria beamed the brightest when speaking of her grandchildren.
Gloria and Albert ultimately moved from Lynwood to Colton, California. There, she became a volunteer for the Loma Linda Hospital and later, was offered a full-time position. From 1995 to 2014, Gloria was employed as operator at Loma Linda Hospital, where she received several awards for her outstanding work and was commended for her mentorship at her farewell gala.
Gloria is survived by her husband Albert, 8 children, 32 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
Viewing has been scheduled from 4:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Preciado Funeral Home, 923 W. Mill Street, San Bernardino, California 92410 with Rosary at 6:00p.m.
Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1106 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, California 92410 at 10:00 a.m. with Interment to follow at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, California 92324
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