Gloria Jean Vargas

Gloria Jean Vargas (Gilbert), 68 passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026
Gloria was born on June 15, 1957, in Estancia, New Mexico to beloved parents Louisa (Bachicha) and Don Gilbert.

She was proud to be the last graduating class from the old Albuquerque Highschool. She retired from the Albuquerque Public School (APS). She worked for APS to be closer to her children during their developmental years. She worked at Alamosa Elementary, Jimmy Carter Middle School, and an art teacher for a summer program. She touched the lives of many children, faculty, and parents. She was always kind but firm and brought creativity and joy to her work.

Gloria was married to Petronilo Vargas for over 50 years. They shared a love and devotion to their children and grandchildren, movies, music, and food. Gloria especially loved all things Elvis, going to concerts, New Mexican music, sunflowers, yellow roses, gardening, and cleaning; she was systematic and organized. Gloria made every holiday special and loved Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and birthdays. She treated all her children the same and loved them all equally. Her grandchildren knew her intense love and felt they had a second mother in her. She was always available to help take care of any of her kids or grandchildren. The family home was a second home to all and had at least one family member there daily. She rarely cussed and did not drink but had a rebellious and independent nature. She was funny and witty and all who met her liked her.

Gloria loved classic films and anything with John Wayne, CSI Miami, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Svengoolie, As Time Goes By, Keeping up Appearances, Father Brown other BBC shows, and the Nightmare before Christmas. Her favorite concerts were Darius Rucker, Dwight Yoakam, and seeing an Elvis Impersonator. She loved reading and her favorite author was John Grisham. She embraced technology and enjoyed playing on her phone, watching videos, texting her children, and sending stories, pictures and videos. Her favorite foods included enchiladas, beans, pan fried potatoes, spaghetti, salmon, zucchini and dessert, especially German Chocolate Cake and Thin Mints. She loved cooking and hosting her family, often making her favorite dishes and desserts.

She is survived by her husband Petronilo, children Dinah, Denise, Deborah, Desiree and son-in-law Mark, grandchildren Benjamin and spouse Corey, Ernesto, Isabel, Liam, Leilani, Luke, Harmony, and John, sisters Della, Charlene, Jeanette, Tina, and Rita, nieces and nephews Andrew, Robert, Frances, Christopher, Isaac, Joshua, Roxanne, Christian, April, Johnny Ray, Alex, Joseph, and Dominic, plus many great nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law Mary.

Gloria was preceded in death by her grandson Sean, mother Louisa, father Don, brother William “Billy”, son-in-law Jeff, sisters Hope and Victoria, and many loved pets. She loved them all deeply and continued to mourn their passing.
Gloria was everything to her husband and children. She truly lived a selfless life and devoted herself to them. Her many prayers, hopes, and dreams for her children have been felt throughout the years.

She was our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness. She was the source of love, mercy, forgiveness, and sympathy; the first arms that held us at our birth and continued to hold us into adulthood. She was the constant strength during difficult times. Even while dealing with her own health struggles, she continued to care for her husband as he battled cancer. To her family she was like no other; we felt her love so pure and wholly. Gloria, our mother, grandmother, and wife will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Remembrance at 09:00 am, Rosary at 09:30, and Funeral Mass at 10:00 am will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 309 Stover Ave, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 with reception to follow on May 9, 2026.