Gloria Maria Lopez

Gloria Maria Lopez, cherished mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina, after a vibrant and love-filled life.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on April 16, 1927, Gloria carried her island warmth with her throughout her life. After marrying Ernest Manich Jr., she moved to New York City, later briefly living in Connecticut before returning to the city. She and Ernest were married for ten years and had two children, Linda and Ernest III.

Following their separation in 1961, Gloria began working at a local bank, where her bilingual skills were in high demand. Never one to settle, she took business courses to grow her career, eventually rising to assistant manager—proof of her determination and work ethic.

After retirement, she moved to South Florida, where she embraced sunshine, music, and dance—her lifelong passions. In recent months, she relocated to Asheville to be with family during her final chapter.

Gloria was known affectionately as “the cool grandmother” and “the fun aunt.” She loved deeply, laughed often, and welcomed everyone into her circle. A talented decorator with a flair for making something out of nothing, she turned even a last-minute “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree into a thing of beauty. She loved Doris Day, Latin music, dancing, reading, and keeping up with the news well into her later years.

Fiercely independent and always optimistic, Gloria was the kind of woman who found the good in people and the humor in most things. She valued education and ensured her children had every opportunity to thrive.

She is survived by her children, brother, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless others who were lucky enough to be considered family.

Gloria’s legacy is one of joy, strength, and generosity—and the reminder that with heart and humor, a little can become a lot.

No services are scheduled at this time and in lieu of flowers and in Gloria’s memory, the family kindly requests contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.