Glenda Lou Vasquez

Glenda Lou Vasquez age 87, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on August 18, 2023.

She was born to Glen and Zetta Gustafson in Coburg Oregon on January 22, 1936 (the 6th of 8 children).

Her laughter was infectious, her questions probing and her family loyalty fierce. She was impetuous, often leaping before looking, giving her life an “I Love Lucy” quality. She also loved sweets especially See’s candy and chocolate chip ice cream (which she could consume an entire ½ gallon at a time!) Glenda was a baby whisperer; she had a gift for calming babies and endearing children to her. She moved to Santa Barbara in 1955 where she met her husband, Ronald Vasquez Sr. While raising their son, Ron Jr.,  she worked as a bookkeeper at  Sansum Medical Clinic in Santa Barbara for 13 years,  Santa Barbara Orthopedic Group, and retiring from UCSB in 1992. Ron and Glenda retired to Santa Maria and enjoyed entertaining there. They began boating and water skiing at Nacimiento Lake in 1956. The time spent at the lake was the heart of their family- parties, friends, laughter, LOTS of country music and 50 years of memories that continue to grow with her son, his wife and future grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Ron Vasquez Jr. (Joanne), grandsons Sean Jackson (Brandi), Kevin Vasquez (Alex), sisters Irene Acuna, Fran Lewis (Lou), brother, Arlen Gustafson (Cherie), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Ronald Vasquez Sr., her newborn son Donald, her parents, sister, Darlene Anderson and brothers Irvin, Virgil and Marlo.

Special thanks to caregivers Debbie Welch, Angela Barriga and the staff of Hillview Residence  where she spent her final years in comfort and peace.

A donation in her memory may be made to the Santa Maria City Firefighters Benevolent Foundation-314 West Cook Street #8, Santa Maria, CA 93458.  smffbf.org

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.