Gloria Caldera-Chavez

Gloria Caldera Chavez, 87, of Nicaragua and Salinas, passed away on November 18, 2023 in Merced, CA. She was a smart, proud, driven, and successful woman, who had a quick sense of humor. Gloria loved to travel, go to the theater, and enjoyed the ballet and opera. She had a passion for attending church and cherished time spent with friends. Gloria was a loving aunt and Godmother. Gloria is survived by her sister, Emma Dominguez, her brother Abelardo Dominguez, her niece, Patricia d'Escoto, and her husband Vance d’Escoto, as well as her Goddaughter, Sophia d’Escoto, and her Godson, Brando d’Escoto. She is also survived by her niece, Angela Zamora, and her sons, Freddy and Ronny, as well as several family members in Nicaragua. Gloria was preceded in death by her husbands, Ruben Chavez and Hector Caldera, as well as her sisters, Gladys Dominguez and Nubia Dominguez. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Emma Ester Noguera Ruiz, and her father, Jose Abelardo Dominguez Bolanos. Gloria’s educational journey began at Colegio Maria Auxiliadora in Granada, Nicaragua, where she completed her primary and high school education. She went on to earn an AA from Merced College, a BA from Fresno State, and an MA from Fresno State. Throughout her career, Gloria made a significant impact in the field of education. She was a teacher in Nicaragua and even opened her own elementary school. After moving to the United States, Gloria worked at Merced College as a Counselor and Spanish teacher. She later joined the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, where she served as a Spanish Language professor until her retirement in 2000. Additionally, Gloria taught at Monterey Peninsula College in their Spanish department. Gloria was a member of Madonna del Sasso Catholic Church in Salinas, where she found solace and community. Apart from her professional pursuits, Gloria loved to travel and explore new countries. She also enjoyed hosting dinner parties and was always up for a good time. A Rosary and funeral service will begin at the San Carlos Cemetery at 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 7. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Mission Mortuary of Monterey. Gloria Caldera Chavez will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of dedication, intelligence, and love will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.