Gladys Zuniga

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Gladys Ines Zuniga was welcomed home to heaven on Sunday, May 15, 2011. During her final days and hours, she was surrounded by family. Gladys was born and raised in Cuba, the youngest daughter of Fernando and Ines Gonzalez. She met her husband, Manuel, when she was 18, and after completing her college education at Holguin Institute, she married him at age 22. They left Cuba to come to the U.S., settling into the city of Birmingham. Gladys touched the lives of many people. She was known for being a woman of faith and prayer. She will be remembered for being a godly woman, a loving mother who would gladly sacrifice herself for others, and as a beautiful and loving wife who was loyal and dedicated. She also loved to listen to music and dance, never letting age or illness get in the way of enjoying these things. She leaves her beloved husband of 59 years, Manuel Zuniga; her son Manny and his wife, Terry of New Orleans, and her son, Alan and his wife, Shannon of Birmingham. She also leaves behind her daughter, Alina and her husband Verne of Santiago, Chile, as well as her daughter, Lizette of Birmingham. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 2 brothers in Cuba, nieces and nephews and many good friends. She is now with the Lord Jesus Christ, the One she loved all her life. A private committal will be at 10 AM, Thursday, May, 19, 2011, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM, Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 2 PM in the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church Missions Committee, Homewood, AL.