Gloria Kindlund

Gloria Kindlund was a devoted mother, grandmother, faithful woman of God, and dedicated nurse. She passed away peacefully at the age of eighty-three. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Gabriella; her parents, Luis Guerrero Garcia and Enriqueta Carranza Jacuinde; her sisters, Ñeca and Celina; and her lifelong soul-sister and best friend, Irene. 

Born and raised in Mexico alongside six siblings, Gloria came of age in the 1950s, falling in love with the fashion, music, and energy of early rock 'n' roll—a zest for life she passed down to her children. Rooted in traditional Mexican Catholic faith, Gloria maintained a deep reverence for God through prayer, celebrating religious holidays, and honoring family traditions. 

Gloria’s elegance and self-care were legendary. She believed in presenting her best self to the world, never leaving the house without her signature makeup, selected earrings, and lipstick. She thoughtfully passed this tradition down to her daughters and granddaughters, teaching them that choosing the right colors for every occasion was an act of self-respect. 

She married the love of her life, Jon Olof, with whom she traveled and lived around the world before settling down to raise four daughters: Gabriella, Bibi, Julieta, and Michelle. Though life brought unexpected separation, Gloria’s commitment to her family remained unshakable. Later in life, she found enduring love and companionship with her partner, Rafael, with whom she shared thirty-seven cherished years. 

Gloria had an extraordinary capacity for friendship. She shared an inseparable bond with her dearest friend, Irene, whose children, Marcela, Adriana, Lucia, and Luigi, became family, lovingly calling Gloria Tía. Gloria welcomed everyone into her home, teaching her daughters that sharing food and traditions was the ultimate expression of love. 

Professionally, Gloria served as a pediatric and vaccination nurse in Querétaro, Mexico, during the 1960s and 1970s, before relocating to Chicago, Illinois, where she continued working in healthcare until her retirement. In retirement, she volunteered extensively at a senior center, assisting elderly residents with healthcare benefits and budgeting, and spending countless hours crafting hand-beaded jewelry. 

Above all, Gloria cherished time with her family. She maintained a unique closeness with each person, offering personalized affection, quiet one-on-one conversations, and sincere advice. No visit to her home was complete without freshly made guacamole, salsa, shrimp ceviche, chicharrónes, mole, or Oberweis ice cream in the freezer.

Gloria also possessed a green thumb, keeping plants flourishing for years in her warm home. That same nurturing intuition extended to her loved ones; she always knew what someone needed, gave endearing nicknames to her grandchildren, and slipped them emergency money every time she saw them. Generous to her core, she lived by the belief that you should give freely because "you can't take it with you." 

Gloria is survived by her loving daughters, Bibi (Claudio), Julieta (Ray), and Michelle (Bill); son-in-law, Scott; her long-time partner, Rafael; her eleven cherished grandchildren: Matthieu, Emma, Nicoleta, Claudia, Nathan, Mundo, Nicholas, Sofia, Michael, William, and Andrew; her siblings: Luis, Cuca, Fernando, and Leticia.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026. 12pm until time of Chapel Service 2pm at O’Neil Funeral Home, 1105 E. 9th Street, Lockport, IL 60441.

Interment is private.

Gloria will be forever in our hearts, forever with the Lord.