Surrounded by loved ones, Gloria Joco Abad, MD died peacefully at her daughter's home in Daytona Beach FL on August 18 at the age of 94.  Gloria is survived by six children [Guia Miller (Michael) of Seattle WA, Grace Pedersen of Port Orange FL, Gregorio Abad, MD (Brenda) of Dublin GA, Gloria Aloi (Matthew) of Winston-Salem NC, Glenn Abad (Joyce) of Mount Vernon IN and Gretel Abad Ostrowski (Michael) Daytona Beach]; ten grandchildren [Dr. Erik Miller, Sean Pedersen, Dr. Joey Aloi (Dr. Kat Crum), Brandon Abad (Kaleigh Felisberto), Dr. Kristin Aloi (Dr. Richard Duong), Dr. Andrew Abad, Danielle Pedersen, Caty Miller, 1stLt Gabriel Savage USMC, and AJ Abad]; and two great-grandsons Bennett Matthew Duong and Maddox Ryker Duong, latter born 11 days prior to her death. She is preceded in death by Gregorio Nazareno Abad, her husband of 62 years, Germelina, her eldest daughter, and Nikki Pedersen, her granddaughter.

Gloria was born on October 3, 1928 in Naic, Cavite, Philippines, the sixth child to Alejandro and Catalina Estuar Joco.  She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Doctor of Medicine degree. After emigrating with her husband and seven children in 1969, she completed her psychiatry residency in North Carolina.  In addition to private practice, Gloria provided mental health services for those in need through the ACT Corporation in Daytona Beach. She retired from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Dublin, GA as head of the psychiatry department in 1995.

Gloria was a parishioner of the Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Port Orange for over 30 years and was active in several ministries with her husband, including Eucharistic ministry to the sick, Eucharistic Adoration, and various Bible studies. In 2010 she professed her final vows in the lay Carmelite order through Saint Joseph Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Bunnell.  Her faith and family were of utmost importance to her.  She also loved cooking, pinochle, word puzzles, playing the piano, travel, and her Filipino heritage.  Upon retirement, she made several mission trips back to the Philippines to provide material goods, spiritual support and medical aid.

Visitation hours are scheduled from 6 to 8 PM on August 25 at Cardwell, Baggett & Summers Funeral Home. The funeral mass is scheduled for August 26, 11 AM, at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany. A graveside ceremony will follow the mass at Woodland Cemetery behind Epiphany. A reception will also be held at the church social hall. Family and friends are encouraged to attend any/all events and celebrate Gloria's life well lived.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to:

Cardwell, Baggett & Summers Funeral Home

301 Big Tree Road

South Daytona, FL 32119.

Donations in her honor may be made to:

Saint Joseph Carmelite Monastery

141 Carmelite Drive

Bunnell, FL 32110

386-437-2910

bunnellcarmelites@gmail.com

https://www.bunnellcarmelites.org