Gloria L. (Rivera) Coates

TORRINGTON — Gloria L. (Rivera) Coates, 82 , of 80 Fern Dr., died Monday morning, June 9, surrounded by her loving family at the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was the wife of George T. Coates Sr. Gloria was born September 15, 1942, in Puerto Rico, daughter of the late Carmello and Gloria Rivera.

Gloria worked many jobs during her life. For the majority of her working life she was a house cleaner. During recent years she became the “Walmart Lady” at the Torrington Walmart and greeted everyone with a smile and a warm hello. Gloria loved beauty; whether it was shopping for the latest, new product, or getting home and trying it out. Gloria’s greatest joy was taking care of and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She would love to watch them play in their various sporting events. Gloria was also a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Lakeville, Conn..

In addition to her husband Gloria is survived by her two sons: George T. Coates, Jr. and his wife Magnolia of Weatogue, Conn., and Kirk Coates and his wife Melissa of Winsted. Gloria is also survived by her two step-daughters Lachaun Tansimore of Virginia and Gwynne Deveau of Bloomfield. Her brother Carmello Rivera Jr. of Flordia and her ten grandchildren: Taj Coates, Mya Coates, Dae Coates, Lia Coates, Mason Coates, Maddox Coates, Samuel Deveau, Roman Ramos, Rachel Ramos, and Arabella Tansimore.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life will be held on Friday June 20, 2025, in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. North Canaan, CT 06018 from 6 to 8 p.m.. Flowers may be sent.