Gloria Mary Simoes

Gloria Mary Simoes passed away at home peacefully on August 26, 2025, just one day shy of her 91st birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, a servant's heart, and an unwavering love for her family. Born on August 27, 1934, in Tulare, CA, Gloria was the eldest of five children born to Joe and Mary Souza. She cherished her siblings deeply and maintained close bonds with them throughout their lives. She is survived by her youngest sister, Christine Souza; sisters-in-law Lisa (Danny) Souza and Olivia (Joe) Souza, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Clarice Souza Mathias, Danny Souza, and Joe Souza; brothers-in-laws, Tony Mathias, John Simoes, Manuel Raulino, Tony Oliveira, John Fernandes, sisters-in-law, Carolyn Miguel Souza, Mary Simoes Oliveira, nephew Manuel Oliveira and great nieces Chandler Souza and Mia Crumbl. On November 10, 1958, Gloria married the love of her life, Mario Simoes. Together they built a life rooted in love and family, raising five children: Mario Jr. (Celeste), Leanne (David), Melvin (Glynette), Mark, and Leslene (Robert "Chipper"). Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Mario; her daughter Leslene; grandson Michael and former son in-law Mark Ribeiro. She is survived by her children, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, and two great-grandsons expected later this year and early next. Gloria's sense of responsibility began early, after the loss of her father when she was just 13. She found comfort in caring for animals and cultivating her family's yard and garden. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to helping others-whether accompanying friends to appointments, navigating services for those in need, or simply offering a listening ear. While she cared for many, her greatest joy was being "Vav�" to her grandchildren. Her home was a place of laughter, games, movies, and unconditional love-often served with a plate of food hand-fed by her, even to children perfectly capable of feeding themselves. In 1970, Gloria and Mario, alongside family, purchased their first dairy farm. Gloria thrived there, surrounded by animals-cats, dogs and livestock of all kinds. Though she could have chosen a larger house, she preferred a modest home with a big yard that she could meticulously care for. Even as her health declined, she continued to garden and nurture her animals, especially her cats and chickens. While Mario loved worldwide travel, Gloria was content to stay home, tending to the farm animals and enjoying a peaceful, quiet life. In her later years, though her body slowed, her mind remained sharp, her humor intact, and her faith steadfast. Services to Honor Gloria's Life A public memorial viewing will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia with the Rosary immediately following. The funeral mass will be held Monday September 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church in Tulare, followed by interment at Tulare District (Kern) Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Gloria Mary Simoes

August 27, 1934 - August 26, 2025