Gloria Jean “Punkin” Gonzales passed away from a brief illness on January 7, 2016. She was born on December 10, 1947 in Newhall Ranch to Alex Real and Vera Acosta Real. Gloria was a lifelong resident of Ventura County. She was a 1967 graduate of Fillmore High School. Gloria worked at Piru School for over 31 years as teacher’s aide, capturing the hearts of all the students and staff she worked with.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Alex Real and Vera Acosta Real, brothers Jeffery Elkins and David Elkins. She survived by her husband of 48 years, Francisco “Poncho” Gonzales, children, Frank (Denise) Gonzales of High Point, North Carolina and Francine (Herman) Alfaro of Bakersfield. She was a proud grandmother to 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gloria is also survived by her sister Alexandra Real of Fillmore, Lona Haws of Fillmore, Terri Elkins-Dinsmore of Ventura, and Michael Elkins of Ventura.
Gloria enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending time with her family. She will always be remembered for her smile, laughter, and making friends wherever she went. Gloria will be truly missed by her family, friends, former students, and the communities of Piru and Fillmore.
A special thank you to her all of those who assisted in the care of Gloria during her illness.
A rosary will be recited on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 9:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at San Salvador Church in Piru. Interment will follow at Piru Cemetery.
To sign the family’s on line guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Gloria’s name located below "Obituaries."
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of GARCIA MORTUARY, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.