Gloria Ann (Valencia) Guzman, 81, entered into heaven on October 14, 2021 in Chandler, Arizona.
She was born on October 8, 1940 in Ray, Arizona the daughter of Frank V. and Gertrude (Bartlett) Valencia.
Gloria graduated from Ray High School, class of 1958. Following graduation she attended Arizona State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Gloria taught 36 plus years for Hayden – Winkelman Schools. While teaching she also served as a Governing Board member for Central Arizona College for 25 years, while serving on the board she also served on the National Board of Community Colleges as well as the Latino Board of Trustees. She also was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Gloria was married to Amador F. Guzman for a beautiful 33 years before he preceded her in death in 2002. She is also preceded by her parents as well as her sister Rose Marie Bisselle. Gloria is survived by her daughter Francine and her son Phillip as well as two granddaughters Brooklyn and Aubrielle, brother Henry (Elizabeth) Valencia, sister Alice Sanchez and many nieces and nephews.
Services for Gloria will be held at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona. A short viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with mass beginning at 10 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona which will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Our deepest & sincerest condolences on the passing of Mrs. Gloria Ann Guzman. She now joins her beloved husband, parents & sister, & all those gone before her. Mrs. Guzman was an extra ordinary & dedicated Hayden-Winkelman teacher for numerous years. She boldly faced every challenge in & out of her classroom. Mrs. Guzman was in all sense of the word a “master” teacher. She was my second grade substitute teacher & our son’s second grade teacher. She freely & openly expressed her opinions, views & was highly respected in the education field. Mrs. Guzman proudly attended every church, school & community event & also attended many of our family graduation & various other celebrations. She along with her husband Amador, happily led the traditional wedding march, “La Marcha” procession at my & my husband’s wedding almost 42 yrs ago. That wonderful memory, along with the ones of her teaching our son in his second grade classroom will forever remain in our hearts & minds. Mrs. Guzman lived life to the fullest, fulfilled many personal & professional goals & served her family, community well. May the Lord welcome her into the heaven, & may she be greeted by her beloved husband. May she rest in peace. We wish strength, & an abundance of peace to Francine, Phillip & their family at this time. May all the memories be a blessing. Teresita, Gilbert Michael & Judas M. Olmos
Our family wishes to extend our condolences for the loss of our beautiful cousin Gloria Ann to her daughter, Francine , and son, Phillip. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With all our love, Rick & Mary Nunez