Gloria Mae De La Cruz

On October 18, 2025, Gloria De La Cruz was called home by our Heavenly Father.

Gloria Mae (Duarte) De La Cruz was born in Hanford, California, on March 4, 1936, to Leo Duarte and Dora (Raineri) Gonzalez. She was a proud graduate of Hanford High School, Class of 1954. In 1950, she met her future husband of 58 years, Henry “Nick” De La Cruz. Together, they were blessed with two sons: Dino, born in 1959, and Joey, born in 1963.

Gloria began her career as a dispatcher for the Hanford Police Department and later served as a specialist teacher for the Hanford Elementary School District, where she dedicated 32 years of service before retiring. She and her husband were devoted and longtime members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, Nick, Gloria continued to reside in her family home and remained independent until the final months of her life. Her family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to her wonderful caregivers, with whom she formed close and loving relationships.

A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4th, at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 10435 Hanford Armona Road, Hanford, California. Graveside service will follow at Hanford Cemetery, 10500 South 10th Avenue, Hanford, California.

Gloria is survived by her eldest son, Dino De La Cruz, and his wife Dora; granddaughter Lauren; son Joseph De La Cruz, and his wife Doreen; granddaughter Samantha, and her husband Charles Avila; great-grandchildren Wyatt and Owen; granddaughter Sesilee (twin); and many beloved relatives and friends who remained by her side through her final days.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, kindness, and devotion to her family and faith.

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