Obituary: Gloria Mendieta Gazave

Gloria Mendieta Gazave, a devoted wife, mother, cherished friend, and extraordinarily gifted soprano, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after a courageous and graceful battle with cancer. She was born on October 4, 1971, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and had a particular devotion to the Saint. She was 54 years old.

A Life of Harmony and Grace

Born and raised in the vibrant Westwood Park neighborhood of San Francisco, CA, Gloria’s formative years were rooted in faith and community. She attended St. Emydius Catholic grammar school and was a proud graduate of Mercy Catholic High School.

From an early age, Gloria’s magnificent voice was evident. She displayed remarkable singing talent, which led her to perform in numerous stage plays and musicals throughout her high school and college years. She pursued her passion, studying classical voice at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music. With a special love for opera, Gloria frequently performed as a sought-after talent on websites like Gig Salad and Gigmasters, sharing her ethereal gift with audiences far and wide. She also contributed her talents locally through the Music by the Mountain organization. Her favorite composer was Johann Sebastian Bach.

After she and her husband lovingly raised their seven children in San Francisco, the family made a significant move to Mt. Shasta. Seeking a slower-paced life in a serene, rural mountain setting, Gloria quickly established deep roots in her new community.

Faith, Family, and Community

Gloria was an exemplary Christian woman, whose faith was the cornerstone of her life. One of her favorite sayings was “That’s an opportunity for us to become Holy”. She was an active member and beloved cantor at St. Anthony’s Church in Mt. Shasta, where the congregation was regularly uplifted by her heavenly singing during church services. Her commitment extended to teaching catechism classes to the youth of St. Anthony’s and actively participating in the grammar school program at Mountain Scholars School, where three of her children attended. A committed, inspirational, and deeply valued member of the Mt. Shasta community, Gloria was truly loved by all who knew her.

Survived By

Gloria’s legacy of love and harmony lives on through her devoted family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Jonathan Gazave; her seven devoted children, Walter, Catherine, Clairemarie, Clementine, Charlotte, Benedict and Celeste; her loving daughter-in-law Rachel, and her three precious grandchildren, Theodore, Aurora and Samuel.

She is also survived by her cherished mother, Mary Mendieta; her sisters, Anna Maria and Suzanne; her brothers, Chris, John, Bill and Mike; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Mendieta.

Funeral Services

A viewing service will be held on Friday, December 5th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 507 Pine St., Mt. Shasta

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6th, at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

The burial will follow immediately after the Funeral Mass at Mt. Shasta Cemetery, 830 Lassen Ln.

Flowers may be sent through Mt. Shasta Florist. Donations in memory of Gloria can be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Mt. Shasta, or the Music by the Mountain organization, Mt. Shasta.