Gloria Goden

Gloria Goden, 76, a longtime Worcester resident, returned home to heaven on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, surrounded by the family she loved.

Gloria was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, daughter of Cecilio Ocasio and Alejandrina Rodríguez. She later moved to New York City in 1968. Shortly after she met and married the "Love of her life" Carlos M. Goden Sr. and they began a 50-year marriage of Love, Devotion, and Family.

Gloria loved children and in addition to her own, guided and cared for other children as a licensed family child care educator with Rainbow Child Development  Center for more than 30 years before retiring.

Gloria is survived by her devoted husband Carlos M. Goden Sr.; her seven children, Aida Arce and her husband Luis, Iris Delgado and her husband Marco, Ana E. Gonzalez, Carmen Goden, Carlos M. Goden Jr. and his wife Isabel, Cynthia Dunlop and her husband David, Cathy Rondeau, and her husband Corey; 15 grandchildren; various brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and extended family members here in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

A woman of deep faith and devotion to her Catholic faith, she practiced her faith through literature, videos, and church activities.

She was a member and active volunteer at St. Paul's Cathedral. She attended church regularly, taught adult CCD, and was part of the Monday prayer group.  She was the matriarch of her family, along with her husband, her children always came first in her life. She was the backbone and remained devoted to them, and to her beautiful grandchildren.

Gloria was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, cooking, outdoor activities, notably camping.  Gloria truly believed that faith, family, and friends were the most important and she had room in her heart for everyone she met. She was very generous with her love, time, and resources, and helped as many as she could. Her unwavering faith kept her strong and helped her overcome life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

Calling Hours for Gloria will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME and CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   Her funeral mass will be held Thursday, April 8th at 10:00 am in the Cathedral of St Paul, High Street, Worcester.  Burial will be in St John Cemetery.