October 30, 1926 – February 28, 2015
Born of a Spanish fisherman and a Danish beauty, Gloria was the youngest daughter of eleven children. She grew up in Seattle's Rainier Valley, attended Franklin High School where she was elected class president in 1944, and went on to earn a masters in teaching at the University of Washington. Gloria was dedicated and passionate about her work as a Seattle public school teacher, and demonstrated a deep compassion for her fellow human beings through her extensive volunteer work.
Gloria is survived by her four children: Ane Black Crow, Charla Soriano Jaffee (Marty), Jack Soriano Whiteford, and Maria Soriano Reilly (Gregg). Gloria, lovingly referred to as Granny, is survived by her grandchildren: Joe, Justin, Morgan and Jered Black Crow; Lilah and Aviva Jaffee; Joshua and Kaela Reilly; and great grandchildren Majestic and Jaymeson Ketah and Sapphire and Jasiah Black Crow. Gloria was predeceased by her parents Ane and Angel Soriano; siblings Rosario, Angel, Juliette, Amigo, Charlotte, Rupert, Dewey, Milton, and Max; and by her grandson, Jesse Ketah. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Chuck and by the many cousins, nieces and nephews of the extensive Soriano family, for whom she liked calling herself Rich Auntie Glor.
Gloria's 88 years of life have been a blessing for all who have known her. She was both spiritual and humanitarian, as demonstrated by one of her favorite quotes: "Let it be our actions, rather than our words, that testify to the truth of our religion." This October baby will always be remembered each year while gazing upon the beauty and color of the autumn foliage, those precious and timeless moments when we are grateful for the gift of life, moments she could not resist and made sure you didn't miss! Thank you, Mama!
As a life long democrat she wrote letters to congressional leaders and business people when she agreed/disagreed with their policies and worked on changing the Pledge of Allegiance by adding "....striving for liberty and justice for all." She recognized the injustices in our country and dreamed of a better place for all humankind.
She danced! One of our family memories is when ever the song "Mac The Knife" came on we would hear her voice in a battle cry: "Let's dance kids!!" Mother we hope you are dancing now with your many loved ones who have gone before you. We love and miss you.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations accepted in her name can be made to the following charities: Kline Galland Home Staff Fund, Mary’s Place, Alzheimer’s Research and the Kubota Gardens, or charity of your choice. The family thanks the amazing staff of the Kline Galland Home for their kindness, love and heartfelt care. The family has chosen not to hold a memorial service.