Obituary for Gloria Ramilo Marton
Gloria Ramilo Marton was born on December 9, 1932, to Casimiro and Patricia Ramilo in the town of Tanauan, a province of Batangas in the Philippines.
Growing up with strict, disciplinarian parents during World War II, Gloria's formative years resulted in a lifetime of frugality and a deep devotion to her faith. As the eldest child, Gloria developed a strong sense of responsibility. She helped her mother take care of her five younger siblings at a very young age.
After the war, Gloria's family moved from the southern Philippine province of Leyte and settled in Mauban, Quezon, and then back to Tanauan, Batangas, until it was time for her to go to college in Manila. Gloria studied at the University of Santo Tomas and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1957. She worked as a pharmacist in Tanauan and Pampanga and later at the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme for seven years before immigrating to the U.S. in the early 70s.
In 1972, Gloria lived in Passaic, New Jersey, where she furthered her studies at Patterson University to become a medical technologist. She later moved to Chicago, where she worked at the Veteran's Hospital for five years.
In the early 80s, Gloria met Charles Gann at O'Hare Airport during one of her travels. A year later, they were married. Gloria moved with Charles to his hometown of Waco, Texas, and for over twenty-three years, she worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Years after the death of her first husband, Gloria met and later married Samoila Marton in 1991. She became a widow upon Sam's death in 2008.
Gloria was independent, fun-loving, and adventurous. She had a keen sense for fashion and was fond of dressing up – even if there was no special occasion. Gloria loved to travel and had been to many states around the U.S. and several countries in Europe, where she marveled at their beauty and culture. Gloria also enjoyed listening to the soothing music of pan flutist Gheorghe Zamfir. However, those who knew Gloria would say that her absolute favorite past time is praying. Gloria was a devout parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waco. She nurtured her friendships with fellow Filipinos through their many religious functions, like the rosary prayer group.
Gloria was very hardworking. It was common for her to maintain 2-3 jobs at a time during her younger years. She continued to work even after retiring at the VA. She worked at Allergan Laboratories and a facility for children with disabilities. Undoubtedly, Gloria enjoyed keeping herself busy and productive; most of all, she loved meeting and working with other people.
She was a woman of integrity and a devoted daughter to her parents, especially her mother, who she took in and cared for after her father passed away. Gloria was the ultimate big sister or 'Ate' to all her siblings. She was always there for them.
Gloria never had children but treated every niece and nephew like her own. Their children saw Gloria as their loving, mild-mannered, and generous grandaunt or 'Lola.' She opened her home selflessly to her family, especially those who started their lives in America as immigrants. She supported, encouraged, and guided her family's many pursuits to grow roots and be established in the U.S.
Those who knew Gloria would remember she had a soft heart and always gave her time to listen. She never judged people. No one is a stranger to her. Her sweet smile and welcoming gaze always made people feel welcomed and accepted.
Blessed with a caring nature, Gloria had a few pet cats through the years, and she loved them all, especially MingMing and Tabby.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nelia R. Abrenica, her brother-in-law, Alipio M. Abrenica, brothers Dante, Ben, and Dr. Napoleon L. Ramilo. She is survived by her youngest brother Dr. Jose L. Ramilo, and sisters-in-law, Dr. Virginia Ramilo and Dr. Teresita Ramilo.
Gloria was a loving aunt to Mario Abrenica (deceased), Minvi Duncan, and husband Steve, Bo Abrenica and wife, Levi, Maria Nelia Abrenica-Warner and husband Rodney, Arnel Ramos, Michael Abrenica and wife, Gigi, Nicolette Ramilo (deceased), Jose Ramilo Jr., and Gisele Ramilo.
Gloria was an adoring grandaunt and 'Lola' to Francesca, Andrea, Jennifer and husband, Kris, Jordana, Andrew, Alyssa, Adrian and wife, Mallory, Jaden, Aidan, Sophia, and Jose-Alexander.
Her family will forever be thankful to Gloria's long-time friend, Illuminada 'Luming' Witt, for all her help and care in the past few years; and Becky Sakyi for the past few months.
After a long, full life, Gloria went to be with her Creator on March 16, 2022, at the Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. She was 89 years old.
The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation and rosary at Oakcrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710, on March 21, Monday, at 5-7 pm. At around this time, there will also be live streaming of the eulogy and rosary from the Oakcrest Funeral Home Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OakCrestWaco/
Upon Gloria's wishes, she will be laid to rest alongside her parents at the Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum at 6001 W 111th St #6072, Alsip, IL 60803. There will be a burial service on March 24, 2022, Thursday at 10 am.
Growing up with strict, disciplinarian parents during World War II, Gloria's formative years resulted in a lifetime of frugality and a deep devotion to her faith. As the eldest child, Gloria developed a strong sense of responsibility. She helped her mother take care of her five younger siblings at a very young age.
After the war, Gloria's family moved from the southern Philippine province of Leyte and settled in Mauban, Quezon, and then back to Tanauan, Batangas, until it was time for her to go to college in Manila. Gloria studied at the University of Santo Tomas and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1957. She worked as a pharmacist in Tanauan and Pampanga and later at the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme for seven years before immigrating to the U.S. in the early 70s.
In 1972, Gloria lived in Passaic, New Jersey, where she furthered her studies at Patterson University to become a medical technologist. She later moved to Chicago, where she worked at the Veteran's Hospital for five years.
In the early 80s, Gloria met Charles Gann at O'Hare Airport during one of her travels. A year later, they were married. Gloria moved with Charles to his hometown of Waco, Texas, and for over twenty-three years, she worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Years after the death of her first husband, Gloria met and later married Samoila Marton in 1991. She became a widow upon Sam's death in 2008.
Gloria was independent, fun-loving, and adventurous. She had a keen sense for fashion and was fond of dressing up – even if there was no special occasion. Gloria loved to travel and had been to many states around the U.S. and several countries in Europe, where she marveled at their beauty and culture. Gloria also enjoyed listening to the soothing music of pan flutist Gheorghe Zamfir. However, those who knew Gloria would say that her absolute favorite past time is praying. Gloria was a devout parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waco. She nurtured her friendships with fellow Filipinos through their many religious functions, like the rosary prayer group.
Gloria was very hardworking. It was common for her to maintain 2-3 jobs at a time during her younger years. She continued to work even after retiring at the VA. She worked at Allergan Laboratories and a facility for children with disabilities. Undoubtedly, Gloria enjoyed keeping herself busy and productive; most of all, she loved meeting and working with other people.
She was a woman of integrity and a devoted daughter to her parents, especially her mother, who she took in and cared for after her father passed away. Gloria was the ultimate big sister or 'Ate' to all her siblings. She was always there for them.
Gloria never had children but treated every niece and nephew like her own. Their children saw Gloria as their loving, mild-mannered, and generous grandaunt or 'Lola.' She opened her home selflessly to her family, especially those who started their lives in America as immigrants. She supported, encouraged, and guided her family's many pursuits to grow roots and be established in the U.S.
Those who knew Gloria would remember she had a soft heart and always gave her time to listen. She never judged people. No one is a stranger to her. Her sweet smile and welcoming gaze always made people feel welcomed and accepted.
Blessed with a caring nature, Gloria had a few pet cats through the years, and she loved them all, especially MingMing and Tabby.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nelia R. Abrenica, her brother-in-law, Alipio M. Abrenica, brothers Dante, Ben, and Dr. Napoleon L. Ramilo. She is survived by her youngest brother Dr. Jose L. Ramilo, and sisters-in-law, Dr. Virginia Ramilo and Dr. Teresita Ramilo.
Gloria was a loving aunt to Mario Abrenica (deceased), Minvi Duncan, and husband Steve, Bo Abrenica and wife, Levi, Maria Nelia Abrenica-Warner and husband Rodney, Arnel Ramos, Michael Abrenica and wife, Gigi, Nicolette Ramilo (deceased), Jose Ramilo Jr., and Gisele Ramilo.
Gloria was an adoring grandaunt and 'Lola' to Francesca, Andrea, Jennifer and husband, Kris, Jordana, Andrew, Alyssa, Adrian and wife, Mallory, Jaden, Aidan, Sophia, and Jose-Alexander.
Her family will forever be thankful to Gloria's long-time friend, Illuminada 'Luming' Witt, for all her help and care in the past few years; and Becky Sakyi for the past few months.
After a long, full life, Gloria went to be with her Creator on March 16, 2022, at the Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. She was 89 years old.
The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation and rosary at Oakcrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710, on March 21, Monday, at 5-7 pm. At around this time, there will also be live streaming of the eulogy and rosary from the Oakcrest Funeral Home Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OakCrestWaco/
Upon Gloria's wishes, she will be laid to rest alongside her parents at the Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum at 6001 W 111th St #6072, Alsip, IL 60803. There will be a burial service on March 24, 2022, Thursday at 10 am.