Gloria Carmen Retamar Flores, the daughter of Carmen Mercado Flores & Julio Retamar, died on September 2nd, 2025, at her daughter's home in Fairfield, CT, surrounded by the three loves of her life, daughters Patricia & Maria Elena, and granddaughter, Stellina.

    Born in Panama, raised in Dorado, Puerto Rico, in the home of her mom Carmen and her stepfather, Angel Mercado, Gloria was the oldest of 10 siblings, taking on the role of 2nd mother to all of her brothers and sisters until age 18, when she moved to NYC to pursue education and opportunity.

    La Panameña, as many referred to her in Dorado, was known for her beauty, kindness, brilliant smile, and warm spirit.

    Gloria was fearless, taking chances and making moves not many would have dared without a network of people or the financial means to succeed.

    She used her interests in fashion and beauty, landing a few jobs in the fashion and fragrance industries before taking on more formal education to become a licensed aesthetician.

    Once she earned her license she took a leap of faith as an entrepreneur and opened what would be the first of three beauty salons across the Bronx. Gloria's Paradise of Beauty was her very first salon located on Westchester Avenue, Bronx NY. In a few short years she had accumulated a loyal clientele and an expanding group of friends, most of which she maintained relationships with throughout her life. With an exceptionally strong work ethic, she spent long hours in the shops, determined to build a good life for herself and her two daughters. As a single mother, she sacrificed a lot to give her daughters the best home, education and childhood experiences.

    Gloria was happy, vibrant, had an enchanting smile, and was the most caring and loving mom ever. That same loving spirit would be felt by her granddaughter, Stellina, when she was born on 10/23/16. Gloria cared for Stellina the first three years of her life, offering all the same love and care she showed her own daughters. They shared a beautifully close and caring relationship until the very end and Stellina will cherish her grandmother's memory always.

    Gloria was her family's comfort, their security, a blueprint for how to live life and walk in this world with confidence, bravery, independence and kindness.

    She embraced those in need and brought calm to family or friends in distress. She will be desperately missed and never forgotten for the many roles she played in life as Daughter, Sister/Sister-In-Law, Aunt, Employer, Grandmother, Friend and the greatest Mother in the world.

    Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.