Gloria Sanchez

Gloria Sanchez (née Perez Serrano) was born in the countryside town of Jayuya, Puerto Rico, on June 27, 1933, to Nemesia Serrano and Tomas Perez. She was the fifth of seven siblings: Felicita, Juana (Juany), Francisca (Panchita), Paola, Gloria, Margarita (Margot), and Antonio. She was known as the troublemaker in her family, an impressive reputation given she grew up alongside a veritable army of siblings, half-siblings, and cousins. Gloria spoke fondly of her days on her family’s dairy farm and of walking down to the river, where she would bathe, play, and vent her emotions where her mother couldn’t hear her. Jayuya is also where she met her first husband, Jesus Vergara, though they would not marry for several years.

When she was 17 years old, Gloria decided to make her way to a new life in the United States. She entered the mainland through New York City but quickly made her way to Lorain, Ohio, where a thriving Puerto Rican community had put down roots. There, Gloria reunited with Jesus Vergara, and the two were soon wed. They had four children: Jesus, Jose Emanuel, Johnny, and George. Tragically, Jose Emanuel passed away after three short days, though he lived on in his mother’s heart and memories. After a difficult marriage, Gloria and Jesus divorced, but she continued raising her three sons with love and determination. She remarried after meeting Turin Arturio Santana.

In 1959, Gloria moved her family to Chicago, where she welcomed two more children, Luis and Evie. Her second marriage also ended in divorce. To support her family, Gloria took a factory job where she carved grooves into the heads of screws. Their family did not have much, but they were close-knit and cared deeply for each other. 1971, Gloria decided that raising her family on the rough streets of Chicago was not ideal, so she packed up her now five children and returned to the Puerto Rican community in Lorain, Ohio. There, she devoted her life to the Lord and met her third and final husband, Jose Ramon Sanchez. Together they built a happy life, serving as pillars of faith in their local church, leading an active social life, and helping to raise their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Lela.” Gloria and Ramon spent many joyful years together until his passing in 2019.         

Following the pandemic, she moved to Florida with two of her children, George and Evie. She enjoyed spending time chatting with friends at a local community center and discovered an interest in art. Whenever possible, she traveled back to Lorain to celebrate and spend time with her beloved family.

Gloria leaves behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice, resilience, faith, and, above all, love. Her devotion to her family, her commitment to her faith, and her nurturing spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, 44805 North Ridge, Amherst  Tuesday, February 3, at 12:30.