Gloria Manriquez Szaj, age 93. Born and raised in Milwaukee to Ladislao and Micaela Manriquez, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2018. Survived by her loving husband, Ray; six children: Eugene (Nan), Kathleen, Christine, Marybeth (Dan), Carleen, and Julie (Rick); six grandchildren: Candace, Brittany, Katie, Samantha, Gabriel, and Olivia; great-grandchildren Maylin and Drew; sister, Vera, and many nieces and nephews. Gloria, the fifth of eight children, grew up on the south side of Milwaukee, graduated from Vieau elementary school and Girl's Tech High School (where she met her lifelong friend, Grace), and took several business courses at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She met her future husband, Ray, on a blind date, but before settling down, she traveled alone to Mexico to visit family and didn't return for several months, causing some concern for Ray who was waiting back home. On May 29, 1948, Ray and Gloria were married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. They lived in Milwaukee but within a few years, and two children later, they moved to their new house (the first house Ray every built) in Hales Corners and raised their six children, along with several dogs, gerbils, a few raccoons, and various other creatures. Ray and Gloria celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.Gloria loved to entertain and was known for her special brandy manhattans (the secret is in the orange peel). She had a great sense of humor (although she could never remember a punch line) and, with Ray, enjoyed Sunday cocktail hour listening to their records – Edie Gorme and Trios Los Panchos, Robert Goulet, Vikki Carr, and Vaughn Monroe were some of her favorites. They traveled to Mexico to visit Gloria's family, and to Spain where Gloria learned new information about her mother's side of the family. Later, when traveling was no longer possible, they traveled the world through the lens of Rick Steves on PBS.In addition to raising six children, Gloria found time to be a substitute teacher at St. Mary's grade school, an election volunteer at the polls, and a Pink Lady at West Allis Memorial Hospital. Her special passion was working with migrant women at UMOS where she taught craft classes and made many good friends. She was especially compassionate about recent immigrants, especially from Mexico, who came to this country to begin new lives. Upon hearing a family was in need, she made sure they had clothing and other household items so they could "get on their feet." In 2011, Gloria moved to the Hales Corners Care Center, less than a mile from her house. Ray continued to visit her nearly every day, taking her special treats that he knew she would enjoy. The family wishes to give special thanks to the HCCC staff for their continuing support through the years.A Mass of celebration will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners with visitation from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Funeral Mass 11:00. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Latino Arts Strings Program (Latino Arts, Inc. 1028 S. 9th St. Milwaukee 53204).