Gloria G. Canales

Gloria G. Canales, a loving wife, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a cherished pillar of the community, gracefully ascended to Heaven on January 17, 2023. Born in Linares, Nuevo León Mexico, January 28, 1936. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Antonina Galvan; her husband, Ramiro Canales and 2 brothers, Carlos Galvan, Jr. and Homero Galvan. Gloria was a passionate advocate for the arts and culture. She was a proud ambassador of her Mexican heritage. For 44 years, Gloria owned and operated the Gloria G Canales Mexican Folklore School of Dance in Harlingen, Texas. Her dedication to teaching and her love for dance touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Gloria was a woman of many accomplishments. She served as the President of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce, where she worked tirelessly to foster strong business relationships and cultural understanding. Her contributions were recognized both locally and internationally. The Gloria G. Canales Mexican Folklore School of Dance achieved recognition on local, national, and international levels. Her team of Folklorico dancers performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr., Governor Ann Richards, the Texas State Capital, the National Hispanic Caucus, the Miss U.S.A. Pageant, the Charro Days festivities for Mr. Amigo, among many others. Her dance school’s international appearances included the Mardi Gras festivities in Nice France, the International Folkloric Festival in the Netherlands, and the International Dances of Folklore in Jaen, Spain. Gloria was also the recipient of the prestigious Ohtli Award from Mexico, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion and enhancement of Mexican culture abroad. Despite her many accomplishments, Gloria remained humble and dedicated to her family. She married the love of her life Ramiro Canales and had 3 beautiful daughters, Gloria Elizabeth (Joe) Hinojosa, Patricia C. Gonzales (Ray Galvan, Jr.) and Connie C. Perez (Carlos A). She was a doting grandmother to Nicholas Alfaro, Noah M. Remi Rodriguez, Elizabeth Michelle Anderson and Joseph A. Hinojosa, and a great-grandmother to Grace, Carolina, Lillie Kate and Capri; she is also survived by her brother, Gilberto Galvan (Bernie), and numerous nieces and nephews. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her legacy will continue to live on through them. Gloria's passing leaves a void in our hearts, but her spirit, her passion, and her love for her culture will continue to inspire us all. We will remember her for her unwavering strength, her infectious laughter, her love for dance, and her dedication to her family and community. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. Visitation will begin Tuesday at 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM and a rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, departing the Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 10:30 AM for a 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria.

Gloria G. Canales

January 28, 1936 - January 17, 2024

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