Gloria Cortez Peña was born on May 31st, 1933, to her parents, Herman Leal Cortez and Antonia Garcia Cortez in San Antonio, Texas.  She was the 5th child of ten siblings.

Gloria worked for the United States federal government as a traveling secretary for various departments. Through her employment, she worked at Kelly Air Force Base, the Immigration Naturalization Service in Los Angeles, the Army, and the Navy. She also enjoyed the opportunity to travel the world and serve her country in the foreign nations of France, Germany, and Argentina.

After separating from service, she returned home to San Antonio and married Richard M. Peña, Jr. on November 4, 1967.  Through their union, she gave birth to one son, Ronald, in 1968.  After their divorce in 1982, Gloria decided to return back to school and enrolled at San Antonio College.  In 1985, she earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Computer Operations. She spent the remainder of her years supporting her son's education at the University of Texas at San Antonio and his employment with the Houston Police Department.

On August 28, 2026, the Lord called her home to heaven. Gloria is survived by her son, Ronald Richard Peña, and his wife Melanie Trest Peña, and grandchildren: Madeline Melissa Peña and Amanda Marie Peña. She is also survived by her younger sister, Pauline Cortez Martinez and her brother, Modesto Cortez and his wife, Angelina Cortez. Gloria loved the Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully served Him all her life. She was a kind, generous, and loving mother.  May she rest in peace.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Monday, September 14, 2026

Holy Cross Mausoleum Chapel

17501 Nacogdoches Rd.

Service will begin at 10:00 A.M. followed by entombment

*All attending should meet directly at the cemetery's chapel*