Gloria Marie (Breaux) Burke

In loving memory of Gloria Marie Burke, aged 49, from Deer Park, Texas, who peacefully joined her daughter Marissa in heaven with our Lord on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, after bravely facing a prolonged battle with cancer. Gloria’s childhood in Baytown, Texas, was shaped by the warmth of her close-knit family. Despite her parents’ separation, she found solace next door to her childhood home with her grandparents on Golden Road. As her mother dedicated long hours to her career in baking, cake decorating and bakery management, Gloria’s grandparents became pivotal figures in her young life, providing not just care but also a nurturing environment. Her upbringing revealed Gloria’s diverse interests. A quiet and loving child, she exuded a “Tomboy” energy, eagerly participating in activities alongside her male cousins. The family home, a hub for gatherings, became the backdrop for her strong sense of family values. Growing up amidst the aroma of Cajun cuisine and a particular fondness for soup prepared with her grandmother and mother and engaging in carpentry and woodworking with her grandfather. Gloria’s empathy and compassion extended to her Aunt Shirley, who faced the challenges of cerebral palsy. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Gloria and her family selflessly cared for her disabled aunt, showcasing Gloria’s innate kindness and sense of responsibility. The bond between Gloria and her youngest aunt, Betty, was a cornerstone of her youth, forming an inseparable and sister-like connection. After high school, Gloria immersed herself in cosmetology, refining her skills at a salon within JC Penney. Fueled by a thirst for knowledge, she returned to school to delve into office technology studies. Amid this academic exploration, Gloria unearthed her passion for photography, enrolling in dedicated college courses. Despite never aspiring to be a professional photographer, her innate talent emerged, leading her to delve into freelance photography. This side pursuit not only fueled her creative spirit but also provided additional opportunities. In March 2003, Gloria met the first love in her life, Bruce, and soon married after a short courtship. Not long afterward, they welcomed their first child, Bailee, into the world. In a short amount of time after Bailee's birth, they welcomed their second child, Marissa. Sadly, after 12 years of marriage, Gloria and Bruce decided to go their separate ways in life. Newly single and fueled by fierce determination, Gloria embraced the opportunity to be a pivotal role model for her children. Driven by profound love and a passion for helping others, she set her sights on a career in the nursing program at Lee College. As a lab assistant in the skills lab, Gloria found her true calling, assisting others in the pursuit of their goals. Over the years, her dedicated service to the college bore fruit as she witnessed numerous students succeed in their journeys toward fulfilling careers in the medical industry. Gloria’s unwavering dedication and genuine desire to make a difference created a lasting impact on not only the students, staff and college. But also her own legacy. In January 2016, Gloria meet the second love of her life Ryan on the internet and over a few weeks time had many engaging conversations with him, and their connection blossomed into a romantic relationship. Despite both having experienced previous relationships, they approached their commitment cautiously at the beginning and began spending most weekends together. However, in 2017, as they spent a few weeks together, as a devastating hurricane struck the area. In the face of adversity, Gloria and Ryan made the decision to move in together and embark on the journey of building a family with her and her girls. In 2019 after the tragic death of Ryan’s parents. Gloria and Ryan began a new chapter in their lives by not only moving into Ryan’s cherished, childhood home but also making a new addition in their newly formed family by also taking in Ryan’s nephew Brandon Rife. For the next four years even though this newly formed blended family faced many challenging circumstances and obstacles. They remained strong in their resolve and love for one another as a cohesive loving blended family. Gloria consistently lit every room with her vibrant energy, always embracing adventure and was one who never meet a stranger and was always kind and giving to everyone she met . In her 49 years of life, she forged deep connections with an extensive circle of family and friends. Gloria is survived by her parents, Melinda Smith and Donald Beaux, she is also remembered by her twin brothers, Lee and Landon Smith. Her legacy lives on through her oldest daughter, Bailee Burke, and her husband, Ryan Herring. Please Join Gloria Burke's family in a celebration of life. With a visitation that is scheduled for Friday, December 15th, from 6 to 8 pm, and services will be held on Saturday, December 16th, at 11 am at the Deer Park United Methodist Church, located at 1300 E Thirteenth St, Deer Park, TX 77536. A meal will immediately follow the service.

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