Gloria Martha Gibbs

GIBBS, Gloria Martha (“Gordy”), passed away peacefully at her Huntington Beach, California, home on Friday, April 26. She was in the presence of her loving family. It brought to an end a 16 month battle with pancreatic cancer, during which time she continued to live her life to the fullest possible measure.

Although small in stature, she was a fighter. She defeated thyroid cancer, and a brain tumor. She endured pancreatic cancer for 16 months...far longer than most.

Gloria was born on June 22, 1939, in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Crispin Martin Lopez, and Mary Louis Tacho Lopez – the second of eleven children. She is survived by five living brothers and three sisters, and numerous extended family members.

She grew up in The San Gabriel Valley, graduating from Baldwin Park High School in 1958, and Mt. San Antonio College in 1960, where she earned an AA degree in fine arts. She was an accomplished artist, with a strong appreciation for nature and God's creations.

After they began dating in 1957, Gloria married her high school sweetheart, Steve Gibbs, on September 18, 1960, and together they shared a love filled journey for over six decades. Three daughters blessed their lives , Cynthia Jean, born in 1962, Deborah Suzanne, in 1965, and Stephanie Diane in 1971. Mother and daughters shared a close and loving relationship. She became “Nonny” to six grandchildren, and two step grandchildren - Amber, Steven, Justin, Kayla, Kamryn, Soledad, Alex, and Jordan, and two great grandsons, James and Parker. She was extremely proud of her family.

She was a very spiritual person, with a strong belief in the power of prayer. She often referred to herself as a “prayer warrior.” She was sustained throughout her illness by the prayers and kind thoughts from those she loved.

She loved her family and friends...and they loved her. She had friends around the neighborhood...around the country...and around the world. She had a magical smile.

She had a strong sense of values, but was down to earth. Sweet...but “spicy” at times. She loved to dance.

In her own recent words.....“ I've had a full life, and got to travel a lot, and to many different countries – Canada, Japan, England, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, France, and others. I've been to so many states – Alaska, and Hawaii many times, and been on beautiful cruises. I have traveled with my husband to so many places. I have many close friends and a loving family. I have been married to Steve for over 58 years.”

After a lifetime of taking care of her family unselfishly, the values she instilled in others were returned, as her family did everything possible to take care of her during her illness.

The family wishes to thank the entire team at The Hoag Cancer Center of Newport Beach, especially her oncologist, Dr. Diana Hanna, M.D., for their professionalism and compassionate care during this time. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Care Choices of Irvine, for the truly remarkable Hospice care she received during her last weeks of life. The level of care Gloria received has provided immeasurable comfort and support to her family.