Gloria Mendez Masi, 85, of Sun City Center, FL, died peacefully at her daughter's home in Bedford, MA on June 10, 2016. Gloria was born in New York City on November 15, 1930, the daughter of Jose Mendez, a prominent electrical engineer in New York and Puerto Rico, and Lilia Canedo Mendez.

Gloria excelled in all she did, and defied expectations for women of her generation. She continued to raise four young daughters after losing her beloved husband, Louis, in 1981. Newly widowed, she completed a Bachelor's degree in nursing and a Master's degree in Public Health Administration from NYU. Gloria rose quickly from health care consultant to Director of Quality Assurance at the New York Health and Hospital Corporation. In this role, she oversaw the city hospitals' quality compliance measures.

Gloria retired to Sun City Center, FL, from which she continued her world travels, including a two-month solo trip to Europe and Russia at age 75. She loved art, decorating, and family, and held her brood together with many extravagant holiday gatherings. She is survived by four daughters and their families, Dr. Michele and Dr. Peter Drivas of Bedford, MA, Linda Masi of Sun City Center, FL, Christine and Dr. Scott Biller of Lexington, MA, and Dr. Barbara Masi of State College, PA. She has been blessed with five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is also the honorary "Grandma" of her live-in caregiver, Louisa B., who provided unfailing kindness, competence, and cheerfulness in this difficult past year.

Services will be private, through the Bedford Funeral Home, of Bedford, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to VNA Hospice Care, 100 TradeCenter, G-500, Woburn, MA 01801 (vnahospicecare.org).