Obituary of Gloria M Jimenez

Gloria M. Jimenez, age 79, passed away on November 21, 2011 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on July 1, 1932 to Dominic and Mary Cusumano, Gloria spent her childhood and early years in Bayside, NY. As a teenager she was an avid horseback rider and also taught riding. After graduating from Hofstra University and Brooklyn Law School, she went into private practice. On a vacation to Europe she met and married Victor Jimenez, a native of Madrid, Spain. Early in their marriage, the couple lived in Crete, Greece. After leaving Crete, the couple moved to upstate New York and in 1968 relocated to Durham, NC and resided in Parkwood. While living in North Carolina, Gloria worked for the North Carolina Department of Insurance. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed her to lead the Federal Disaster Administration. (now FEMA). In this role, Gloria oversaw the government response to the Mariel Boat Lift and the Mt St Helens Volcano eruption. In 1984 she moved to Boca Raton, Florida and started a career with IBM. Gloria moved back to the Triangle in 2001 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. During this time, many summers were enjoyed clamming and swimming in Salter Path and Emerald Isle. A skilled painter, many of her paintings are of the salt marshes along the NC coast. Gloria is survived by her husband, Victor, daughter Teressa Jimenez (John Rogers), son Victor Jimenez (Adrienne Jimenez), and grand children, Pierce & Marina Rogers and Sergio Jimenez. The family will receive guests at Victor and Gloria's home, 703 Bolin Creek Drive, Carrboro, NC on November 29 between 6:00-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Charles House Eldercare Center, 109 Hillcrest Avenue, Carrboro, NC 27510