Gloria Samaniego

We are greatly saddened to announce the passing of our mom, Gloria Samaniego. Our mom lost her long, courageous battle with breast cancer on March 7, 2008.

Mom was born March 31, 1956, to Benjamin and Socorro Gomez of Oxnard. Mom came to Oxnard from East Los Angeles with her parents along with her brothers and sisters at the age of 12, attended elementary schools in the Rio School District and attended Rio Mesa High School, graduating in 1974.

Mom lived her life to the fullest, even when the news came that her cancer returned for a second time. She continued on with her life working, raising her family and always had faith that she would recover. She made certain that no one worried about her, especially her children. Mom never wanted anyone to worry or cry for her. She was always saying she would be OK.

Mom loved the company of her friends, family, her children and grandchildren and could be found at the El Rio Softball field watching our sisters play softball. Mom worked for Olga Warner Co. for many years until the shut down of their local plant in Wagon Wheel and returned to work later for Good Will Industries of Oxnard until February 2007.

Mom enjoyed her work and would not miss a day. When she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004, she would attend her chemotherapy and radiation appointments and return to work the same day. There was never any time for breaks! Mom intended on living her life strong, fighting this disease with pride.

Mom fought this second battle with courage to face this disease, the strength to overcome it and the greatest will to live. Mom fought until the end, until God called her home.

It's time to take a break, Mom. It's your time to rest. We love you so much and it hurts so bad, but we will go on strong with you in our hearts and memories. We will never forget you. May you rest in peace.

Mom was preceded in death by her infant son Adam Samaniego; parents, Benjamin and Socorro Gomez; brothers, Gerardo "Jerry" and George Gomez; nephews, Brian Gomez; and her little puppy Roxy.

Gloria is survived by her daughter Arlene Samaniego and her children Danyka and Joshua, all of Oxnard; son David Samaniego Jr. and his children Elizabeth and Damien, all of Oxnard; daughter Vanessa Samaniego, her fiance Emmanuel Zavala and unborn son Emmanuel Jr., all of Oxnard; and son Adrian Samaniego (19), daughter Clarissa Samaniego (15) and daughter Andria Rodriguez (12), all of Oxnard; brothers, Ray Gomez, Joe and wife Charlene Gomez, Ben and wife Hilda Gomez and Manuel Gomez; sisters, Alma and husband Lucio Roman, Irene and husband James Triplett, Elva and husband Ernie Olivarez III, Elsa and husband Martin Esparza and Norma Gomez, all of Oxnard; numerous aunt, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends.

We would like to thank the many people who assisted us with taking care of our mom, the friends who donated and helped with a very successful fundraiser, the Sisters Servants of Mary of Oxnard, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, Buena Vista Hospice and our tia Alma Roman who was by Mom's side until the end.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, March 14, with rosary recited at 7 p.m., at Garcia Mortuary. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Santa Clara Church. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A St., Oxnard. For further information, please call 805-486-9148.