Gladys Vergara

Gladys Mitchell Vergara, daughter of Antonio and Rita Mitchell, was born on November 29, 1935. Gladys and her older sister Silvia Zuñiga began life in Pica, Chile – an oasis in the Atacama Desert. Gladys attended the Iquique English College, and later earned a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from DePaul University. She spent 27 years as a public elementary school teacher, educating and influencing many lives. Gladys presided over her household with a gentle, but firm hand. A life-long learner, she embraced discovery of the world and its many cultures through her love of travel, cooking and gathering of friends and family “sobre mesa”, around the table. Gladys led church mission trips in Appalachia, the Navajo Nation, Costa Rica and Chile, among others. Since 2008, she was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Orland Park, Illinois. After a three-year battle with ALS, she died on September 30, 2015 at home surrounded by those she loved. Gladys is survived by her husband of 58 years Mario; “sus pajaritos”, Roxana, Daniel and Ximena; daughter-in-law Katherine; son-in-law Craig; and granddaughters, Vanessa and Elena. Gladys wished to be remembered for treating all people with respect. Friends are invited to visit with Gladys' family on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10-11 a.m. with a celebration of Gladys' life at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 15101 S. 80th Ave. in Orland Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association, Greater Chicago Chapter or Faith United Methodist Church Missions. The Vergara Family extends their sincere thanks to friends and family for all their expressions of sympathy, love and support during this difficult time. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400