Gloria "Glo" Baradi Villagracia

August 23, 2021

Gloria “Glo” Baradi Villagracia 1939 - August 23, 2021 Our beautiful and talented mother, Gloria, passed away at the age of 82, in Lakewood, WA. Her untimely death came nine days after our father, Virgilio’s passing. She is preceded in death by mother Gorgonia P. Baradi, sister Nieves Escobar, and brother Isauro Baradi. She is survived by her children, Maria, Gil, Marisa, son-in-law Victor and grandson Javier. Survived also, by brother Manuel Baradi and wife Emie, nephews, Michael, Melston, Marnel Baradi, nieces, Sonia, and Jocelyn Escobar, all of Los Angeles, CA. Mom, was born in Bauang La Union, Philippines. She graduated from the Chinese General Hospital School of Nursing in the Philippines and Philippine Women’s University of Manila. She later worked as a staff nurse at Chinese General Hospital. In 1963, she was one of the registered nurses chosen from various countries that came to Seattle on the Exchange Nurse Program of the American Nurses Association. Upon her Seattle arrival, she was assigned to Firland Sanatorium, which treated patients with tuberculosis. Instead of returning to the Philippines when the exchange visit ended, mom and best friend Tita Pancho were able to stay in the States because of a Senator signed waiver. Mom, married our dad Virgilio “Gil”, on June 6, 1964. They were married for 57 years. She continued her nursing career for two years. She was fortunate and blessed to have a husband that said she no longer had to work. She was very artistic. One of her passions was fashion. If you looked in her closets now, you could call her “Imelda Marcos Jr.” because of her shoe collection alone. In addition to nursing school, she attended Slim School of Fashion & Arts in the Philippines. She idolized Audrey Hepburn and would often copy “her look”. As if she was a model herself, many of mom’s younger pics showed her always on trend with her hair, makeup, and clothing. Her talent’s even extended to designing and making her own wedding gown. Both mom and dad showcased their artistic talents by opening their own store front, Gilmari. It was named after my brother Gil, sister Marisa, and myself, Maria. They created beautiful floral arrangements and artificial trees for homes, as well as commercial settings. Mom loved to cook. She was always experimenting with new recipes. Her most requested item was lumpiang shanghai. My cousin Leah said, “Don’t forget to mention palabok and ukoy!” It was common for her to be late for family functions. She was so busy cooking all the food she wanted to share. We’d all be done eating our first round of food by the time she arrived. Everyone would always joke and ask, “Where’s your mama?” Regardless, her food was worth the wait. Mom loved to see the joy her cooking brought to others. She also liked to dance. Unfortunately, my dad wasn’t a dancer, so mom always had to find another partner. In her later years, mom took up photography with dad. She enjoyed photographing flowers and the humming birds that were frequent visitors in the backyard. Her favorite singer was Johnny Mathis. She loved to play scrabble and enjoyed watching the Mariners’ games. Someone who brought pure happiness and love to her life was grandson, Javi. She enjoyed their face time calls and looked forward to his weekend visits playing and feeding him any snack he wanted. My dad once told me Mom had said, “Javi just brings joy to her heart.” Gil, Marisa, and I would like to give our sincerest thanks to our dad’s sister, Rebecca Ferrer. Auntie Becky, you have been “Our Rock” from the beginning. The three of us would be lost without your guidance and support. Just know that dad is looking down on you, his younger sister, and saying that he is so very proud of you right now.