Gloria Smith, 80, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, after a long period of declining health at her residence in Truth or Consequences, with her daughter Rosie by her side. Gloria was born in Isleta, NM to Manuel Martinez and Rosa Lueras on September 11, 1943. She was an ESL teacher for many years. She was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM, where she helped with the newsletter, played the bells in the bell choir, and took communion to those who could not make it to church. She was also very involved in the Special Olympics Equestrian Program and Equestrian Therapy for the handicapped, and others in the community who were less fortunate. Gloria lived for her horses, and she loved being able to share that passion with others. She was widowed in 2015, after 40+ years of marriage to her second husband, Frank Smith. She was a mother to 2 natural daughters, 4 stepdaughters, 2 stepsons, and just about anyone else she met. She was still friends with her ex-husband, John Rael, as well as all his other wives. She thought of his stepchildren as her own and his brothers remained a big part of her life. In her spare time, Gloria loved doing needlepoint and woodworking, until she got where she could no longer see due to macular degeneration.

Gloria is survived by her children: Rosie Burke (Michael Burke), Catalina Rael, Rosalie Ferguson, Rhodney Smith, Patricia Chojnowski, Frances Swartz (Ray), Lola Smith- Daoud, and Leeann Jennings (DJ); her brother: Larry Martinez (Rachel); and sister in law, Kelly Martinez; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepson, Tom Smith; stepdaughter, Cathy Sieber; granddaughter, Vickie; 3 brothers; as well as multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rosie would like to thank those in the community of T. or C., who were instrumental in helping her mom remain as independent as possible until the end. Most notably, her mail carrier, Jennifer; housekeepers/caregivers, Nita Horttor-Hines and Genelle Padilla (and her family); cosmetologist, Silva; and the workers at the senior center, EMS community program; the nurses of Ambercare Home Health and Hospice; Dominic, who adopted her dogs after her passing; and most of all Rosie’s husband Michael, for always running the errands us crazy women sent you on.

Cremation has taken place and Gloria will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Frank, at Santa Fe National Cemetery. A celebration of Gloria's Life will be announced this summer in Albuquerque.

The family asks that in Lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Gloria’s memory. A link is available below.