Gladys Eugenia Tempestoso, born March 26, 1937, in Havana, Cuba, passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 28, 2025. Parents Paulino and Isabel Mora of Havana Cuba and later Monterey Park, CA.  Gladys was the oldest of three children, a sister Irma Madic of Montrose, CA and brother Paulino (Piquiña) Mora of Miami, FL both still living. Gladys immigrated to the United States with her sister Irma during the height of the political revolution in Cuba seeking asylum in March 1967. From the day she arrived in the US Gladys was a fierce patriot of her new adopted home and would always speak of how thankful she was to be an American. Gladys and Irma settled in Los Angeles, California where Gladys soon found a job working for Teledyne Technologies while attending school at night to learn English. Later, Gladys started working for Bank of America in downtown Los Angeles as an International Banking specialist.

Gladys met her loving husband Giorgio while out dancing (her favorite activity) and they were married on July 15, 1972, in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of their favorite places to visit and a perfect place to spend many future anniversary celebrations. Gladys and Giorgio were happily married for 52 years.

Gladys and Giorgio welcomed a daughter to the world on October 21, 1973, Gabriella and three years later added to their little family by welcoming a second daughter, Stephanie on September 30, 1976. Gladys dedicated her time to her daughters and husband in those early years and was a tireless advocate for her youngest daughter who was born with developmental disabilities.

Gladys also loved being a grandmother (abuela) to her grandson Phoenix who joined the family on July 1, 2000. Phoenix was one of the joys of her life. Phoenix and abuela shared a special bond always up to something that involved cooking, laughter and adventure.

Gladys embarked on a new, successful career as a State Certified Spanish- English Interpreter for the California Court System in the mid 1980's which she retired from in 2012. Gladys was always ready for a new challenge or a new adventure, her enthusiastic spirit was ever present in her laughter and her love of travel. One of her favorite trips was visiting Italy with Giorgio in 2010 and having the opportunity to visit Giorgios' hometown San Giorgio de la Molara near Naples.

Gladys and Giorgio also enjoyed boating and spent many beautiful weekends in Dana Point and San Diego, CA. Gladys' roots were always connected to the ocean and her love of marine life after all she'd say "I'm a Caribbean girl."

Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, 12 noon at McCormick and Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92637 with refreshments immediately following.

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