Gloria Garcia Norvell

September 16, 1945 June 11, 2009

Gloria Garcia Norvell (Gigi) 63, passed away in her home surrounded by close family members. She had been fighting cancer for the past 18 months. Gloria was born to Elvia and Charles Garcia in Sioux City Iowa. She married Philip Norvell on February 28, 1976. They have one son who is a MD and a 21/2 year old grandson in North Carolina.

Gloria is survived by her mother Elvia, sister Silvia Hutchins, husband Phil, son Garrett, and grandson Brice. She worked in the “green revolution” research facility of Dr. Norman Borloug near Mexico City as a translator. She later worked for Santa Barbara Mental Health Services. After she married, Gloria became Operations Manager of the family’s business in medical electronics.

Gloria loved nature and worked to protect it. She had hiked and backpacked in the Sierras, kissed a baby whale from the side of a small boat in Baja, snorkeled with Reef Sharks in Tahiti and giant Manta Rays in Hawaii. She knew that ultimately, the number of people on the planet would determine the fate of many species. If you wish, a contribution in her memory to Planned Parenthood Federation of America would be welcome.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life service will be held at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation on July 5th at 2:00 pm.