Obituary of Gloria Helen Avila

Our beloved wife and mother went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2021. She was 87 years old and passed at home with her family beside her. Gloria battled dementia for the last seven years of her life. She handled her illness in the same way she lived her life, with dignity, grace, kindness, and concern for those around her.

Gloria was born at the County Hospital in Salinas and grew up in Del Monte Grove in Monterey. She attended Del Monte Grammar School, Walter Colton Jr. High, and Monterey High, graduating in 1951. She loved all things to do with Monterey High School and participated in planning many reunions.

Gloria married the love of her life Will Avila in February of 1952, at the age of 18, beginning their almost 70-year marriage. In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, Mom also worked at the Monterey Herald in the Circulation Department and at the Monterey High School as student activities clerk for 20 years. She was a parishioner of San Carlos Cathedral, a member of the Monterey Parks and Recreation Commission, the Italian Catholic Federation, and the Monterey High School Boosters Club. She was also a past President of the F.D.E.S Ladies Auxiliary and a key supporter of the Monterey Youth and Pony Leagues,  Pop Warner Football and Monterey High School cheerleading and sports, volunteering in many capacities.

In retirement she and Will enjoyed 25 years of travel, making lifelong friends. 

Mom affected many over the years, especially children and young adults. Many relatives lived for a time in the big house on Mar Vista to get back on their feet. Everyone that passed through her life has positive memories.  Meals, love, and hugs were always available and freely given.    

Gloria is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, sons Mark (Gail), Steve (Ursula), Mike (Patty), daughter Cynthia Sveum (Chris), brother Ted (Kehau) Wasson Jr. and sisters Nancy (Lee) Coelho and Linda (Joseph) Bileci. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family. Gloria was predeceased by her parents Helen and Theodore Wasson, Sr., and grandson Daniel Avila.

Services will be Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 AM at the San Carlos Cathedral. The rosary will be followed by a Funeral Mass and burial at San Carlos Catholic Cemetery. A gathering to share memories will follow at the Monterey FDES Hall,  950 Casanova Ave, Monterey, CA 93940.

The family would like to thank caretakers Rachel Tuavao and Roberta Leha for their loving care and support, and special thanks to our angels from Reno, Maryann and Theresa, for guiding us through Mom's final days.

Please make donations to the charity of your choice