In the early morning of Saturday August 20, 2016 Gregoria Medina, better known as Gloria to all that knew and loved her, passed away into enteral rest. She did so surrounded by her loving family and friends who had watched her battle various illnesses. It took one simple phrase, "Mom it's ok to let go. We will be ok." for her to take that last breath. Born in Añasco, Puerto Rico on January 4, 1940 to Vicente Mercado and Maria Padua, Gloria joined older siblings Patricia and Conrad. After losing her mother at a young age Gloria, like many other Puerto Ricans at the time, migrated to the United States and eventually settled in Springfield Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Patricia. In 1960 she met the love of her life, Genaro Medina Sr. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together they are parents to Edwin and his partner Zenaida Perez of Chicopee, Orlando and his wife Lorie of Ludlow, and Genaro Jr. and his wife Anne of West Springfield. She will leave to cherish six grandchildren; Ashley, Amanda, Vanessa, Gabriel, Michael, Zoel and two great-grandchildren; Jeyren, Dylan along with countless nieces, nephews and godchildren. Gloria worked hard her entire life and managed to balance a job, motherhood and being a wife. She was employed at Buxton Company for many years before working for Deluxe, which is where she would eventually retire from in 1999. A devout Catholic, Gloria was a woman of strong faith. She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield, MA for many years. To many she was a second mother, godmother aunt and confidante. Gloria will not only be remembered by the love she had for her family but also her cooking. She could make the best pot of rice and beans that was always the first request for family gatherings. She also enjoyed playing bingo, casino and any trip to the actual casino was welcomed with stars in her eyes. Please join us as we say our final goodbye. Calling hours will take place at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home on Wednesday 8/24/16 from 4-7PM. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 am in Blessed Sacrament Church followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery. For more details please go to curranjones.com.