Gloria Krueger, 1932 – 2014: Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.

On July 1, 2014, Gloria Krueger completed the journey she began on October 13, 1932. Gloria was born in Chicago, but her family moved west to California when she was 13. Gloria brought forth three terrific kids: Steve Friedland, Scott Friedland, and Allyson Krueger. Her children grew into caring, responsible adults, who will miss her terribly, as will her dear husband of 54 years, Jay Krueger, her four grandchildren (Sean, Rachele, Zara and Daniele), her daughter-in law Linda Zimmerman and son-in-law Jeff Merrick, other family members and the countless people whose lives she touched over the decades.

Gloria’s family was and is musical. Gloria taught piano to young children, teenagers and occasionally adults, between 1967 and 2005, adopting the Suzuki method in the early 1970s. Gloria learned Japanese before and during her training in Japan, and she enjoyed engaging with Japanese-speaking people (often at sushi restaurants). She was an accomplished teacher who inspired others.

In her retirement, Gloria “G Sharp” Krueger earned her diploma from Klown Kollege, in Laguna Woods Village, where she and Jay lived since 2005. She became proficient at balloon animals, face painting, and other clown skills. Gloria greatly enjoyed dressing up in her clown costumes and volunteering at events.

Gloria and Jay’s love of Native American culture, arts and crafts began with a visit to the Navajo nation in the ’60s. Over the years, they supported Native American artists and were charter members of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Gloria had many other interests, despite her busy life as a teacher, mother and wife. Gloria and Jay were among the founders of the Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California and followed the “dog show circuit” for about 12 years, with Gloria handling the pooches. (“Ocho” was her favorite of their eight labs.) Gloria painted and enjoyed reading. Gloria and Jay loved to travel, driving all over the Southwest, West and North to Canada.

Gloria loved people, helped people, and lived for family celebrations. We will celebrate Gloria on July 3, 2014, beginning with services at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills at 3:00 p.m. Friends may send contributions in remembrance to Laguna Hills – Saddleback Kiwanis International.