Obituaries

Gloria gave her family a gift, a rather special gift, to be passed on from one generation to the next and beyond; the gift of love, devotion, a gentle spirit, kindness, honesty and the belief that everything will be fine.

Her three daughters, Patricia von Buelow, Shelley Barnhill, Kelly Rose, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 on the way, 1 great-great grandchild and 1 brother, Frank Acosta and his family, survive Gloria.

Gloria inspired her family in so many ways. The family would like to share their thoughts and memories of their grandmother and great grandmother, also known as GG:

Michael – What a gal – Grams passed down her car to me at 16 years old. That gave me all the freedom one could hope for! I will always have great memories of you.

Gina – Grandma was a beautiful person on the inside and out. I will always remember our childhood poker game on the holidays and the ping-pong matches at Parkmont.

Esiah – I will always remember grams for being a true East Bay sports fan, Go Raiders! We so enjoyed our meals at El Patio. Every birthday I would get a very neatly written B-day card with a check in it. When I would call her to thank her I would always say, “I’m 40 grams, please don’t send me a check anymore, but every year they came. “ The world is a lesser place without her.

Kristal – Gloria had this grace about her, always looked effortlessly gorgeous. She was kind, generous and loved to laugh. We will miss her dearly.

Hannah – A favorite person to me in this life, the lovely Grandma Gloria; a woman of great moral character, strength and ability to persevere. She taught me the most about humanity. Always, she comes from a place of love.

Scott – Some of my favorite nights as a kid were watching Laurel and Hardy movies with Grandma. We were always watching movies. Me and my brother spent many times on her staircase after small arguments and if we dared curse in front of her chili peppers were promptly placed in our mouths. That’s how it was. She taught us manners and showed us how to have a good heart and be respectful. Could go on forever. I had Grandma’s name tattooed on me when I was 14 years old. Grandma will always be with me forever.

John – All grandma ever asked for was for us as a family all to be happy. She would want us to be happy. Grandma has PURE values and a PURE heart. They don’t make them like you anymore Grandma. You are one of a kind.

Madeline – Grandma was always the calm in the crazy. One of my favorite memories of her was in the delivery room when I was having (baby Gloria) I looked to her (Grandma Gloria) when I needed strength and without any words she encouraged me to stay strong.

Brooklyn and Mason – We had lunch in Tiburon and great-grandma insisted on paying for ice cream after lunch. She was so generous.

Joseph – I miss GG. Every birthday and Christmas she would send me a card. I love her and miss her. I’ll never forget her.

Natalie – What I love about GG is that she is super happy and that makes me feel good.

Alicia – I love giving GG hugs.

Reyes – GG always had gum and offered it to me.

Little Gloria – GG gave me a stingray stuffed toy that she has always had. I remember GG when I play with it.

Gloria will be dearly missed by all her family and friends; and the many she touched with her compassion, kindness, zest for life, and generosity; we LOVE YOU.

A private, family service will be held in Fremont on July 14, 2018 to honor the life ofGloria Barnhill.