Gloria Dora Turner

Gloria D. (Rivera) Turner, age 82, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Albuquerque, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Gloria was born in Ribera, NM to Eutimio and Cipriana Rivera on Saturday, March 27, 1937. Her family then lived in Jerome, AZ until moving permanently to Albuquerque, where she graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1955. Gloria went on to marry the love of her life, Leon Turner (Tom), raising their four children together. As the wife of a US Marine, their family lived in many places around the US including Havelock, NC, Oahu, HI, and Santa Ana, CA. She was a great wife and a wonderful mother. Gloria and Tom adored each other. They had a fulfilling relationship that people search a lifetime for. She was put to the test during the years as Tom was stationed around the world, and Gloria put on a brave face as he was twice deployed to Vietnam. With four young children to care for, it was not easy, but she handled it with dignity and grit. She always had a passion for taking care of and helping her extended family. Although Gloria will be remembered for her frugalness and living within her means, she was always happy to provide for those she loved. She loved to travel. She was an avid bowler and loved to dance and also enjoyed playing board and card games. Nothing brought her more joy than her family. Gloria’s sense of humor knew no bounds and occasionally caught people off guard with her inappropriate jokes. Everyone that knew Gloria loved her and those that did not know her would have loved her. Gloria is survived by her husband, Leon (Tom) Turner; children, Elizabeth Dunlap, Kathryn Johnson (Matthew), and Thomas Turner (Darlene); many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Gloria is also survived by her brothers, Joe Rivera and Crescencio Rivera (Judy); and sister-in-law, Elis Rivera; as well as many nieces and nephews, that were dear to her. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John Rivera and Placido Rivera; her sister, Lucille Quintana; and recently her son, Robert (Bobby) Turner. She also leaves behind many loving friends including her best friends for life, Robert and Gloria Rhodes. Gloria will be missed by many.

Celebration of Life for Gloria will be held at the Johnson home Saturday, June 15th from 3:00pm - 6:00pm

6920 Conestoga Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120