Gloria A. Mote 1945-2026 Gloria A. Mote passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born March 9, 1945, Mote grew up in the small town of Peralta, New Mexico, where she was taught faith, and the value of hard work. She dedicated her 30-year career to the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, rising from administrative assistant to director of five different cemeteries. She retired as a financial administrator, her favorite position of them all. In her free time she enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, cheering on the Dodgers, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her son Michael, daughter Annette, grandchildren Carolyn, Colin, and Andrew, and brother Albert Aragon. Mote will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

Van Ho Tran 1952-2026 Born April 9, 1952, Van Ho Tran died at home in Mutual 12 on June 16, 2026. Her daughter, Amanda Tran, wrote this about her mother: “Mom, I love and miss you. My mom lived a remarkable life. She was only 23 when she and my dad escaped Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. “She worked and put herself through school at night to earn her college degree all while raising her children. She was my dad’s life partner for 55 years. When they retired, they lived their dream of traveling all over the world. She had a quiet determination and unmatched work ethic. “She passed peacefully June 16, 2026, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by family, friends and prayers. She was so, so loved, and she will be so missed. “During my last visit home, I came across a photo album that had pictures from my childhood I hadn’t seen in a long time. I smiled because looking at myself as a baby, I see my children’s faces. And looking at my mom, I now see myself. “As much as I wish my kids would have had more time with her, I know they will know her through me. I know I am the mother I am because of her. “I will love and miss you always, Mom. I hope we meet again one day. Until then, I’ll see you in my dreams.” —Amanda Tran

••• Michael “Mike” Herman 1945-2025 Look out, heaven, a huge ball of fire just rolled in. Michael “Mike” Herman was many things to many people: a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, cousin, loyal friend, accomplished wedding officiant, poker expert, geography aficionado, world traveler, and the life of every gathering. Mike and his beloved wife, Pat, shared an extraordinary love story. They met at a party and just four weeks later, were married, a decision that became the beginning of a remarkable 59-year marriage filled with love, laughter, adventure and unwavering devotion. Together they built a beautiful life and family, raising their daughters, Jodie and Marcie, and later welcoming the lights of Mike’s life, his grandsons, Kyle and Payton. Known for his quick wit, larger-than-life personality, and unforgettable stories, Mike filled every room with laughter, light, and that unmistakable spark that was all his own. There was never a dull moment when he was around. His humor, warmth, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Mike treasured creating memories with family. Days spent at Corona Del Mar, body surfing near Lifeguard Station No. 4, enjoying Abba Zabbas, snacking on salami and cheese with Ritz crackers, and stopping at Swensen’s Ice Cream on Pacific Coast Highway became cherished traditions. There were trips to Benji’s before the beach, walks to Sav-On for snacks and ice cream, afternoons playing Atari, and countless adventures that made life special. A meticulous planner and enthusiastic traveler, Mike embraced every journey with curiosity and joy. From Hawaii to month-long camping trips, beach vacations, and memorable travels with Pat to the East Coast and Europe, he lived life fully and made every experience an adventure. Mike had a gift for making people laugh. His long stories, endless humor, and unforgettable smile made every gathering brighter. He taught those around him that life is meant to be enjoyed, memories are meant to be treasured, and laughter is one of life’s greatest gifts. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but we take comfort in knowing that heaven has become a little brighter, a little louder, and a whole lot more fun. Rest easy, Mike. Thank you for the love, the laughter, the adventures, and the memories that will live on forever.

••• Noemi Reyes Albulario 1949 - 2026 Noemi Reyes Alb ulario (April 1, 1949 - May 28, 2026), cherished member of the Leisure World Community Church family passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. She is survived by her two children David and Renée Albulario, son-in-law Michael Ross, and former-husband Art Albulario. She grew up in Manila, Philippines, as the youngest of seven siblings: Siddhartha, Nourhalma, Thor-Alcyone, Alcor-Mizar, Amita, Adita and Noemi. Her parents, Drs. Benito and Dominga Reyes were leading educators in Manila. Dr. Benito Reyes was the founding President of Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila, the first public university in the Philippines. The Reyes family operates Avastha. org, whose mission is the elevation of human consciousness. As a young woman, Noemi worked in education, teaching nursery school and pre-school in LA and Orange Counties. She continued her career in personnel and sales at EECO Inc., and when she retired she had earned a reputation as the most compassionate insurance adjuster at State Compensation Insurance Fund in Santa Ana, where she worked for 25 years. The one thing she loved most was being with her kids, Dave and Renée, on family outings, attending their many music and stage performances throughout the country, on Broadway and off, and in travels all around the globe. Noemi lived a life of kindness, joy, compassion, and love. Her bright smile spread happiness and cheer to everyone she met. She loved being loving, and her family remembers her with great fondness and heartfelt joy. A Celebration of Life in Memory of Noemi Albulario will be held at Leisure World Community Church (14000 Church Place, Seal Beach) Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m.. The event will include outstanding music both in the service and the reception immediately following. All are welcome.

Norma Lee Poe 1928-2026 Norma Lee Poe, 96, former resident of Mutual 17, died April 28, 2026, in Long Beach. Norma was born Nov. 18, 1928, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Edna Mae Pratt and Harold Forest Beers. She worked for Bank of America from 1952-1990, retiring as a vice president. She moved to Leisure World in 1992 where she served on the Mutual 17 Board of Directors for over a decade, ending in 2020. Norma was a member of LW Community Church and the LW RV Club. She handled the club’s publicity as well as arranging campouts with the Elks of Bellflower’s Rolling 88s. One of Norma’s favorite camping trips was traveling the Alaska-Canadian Highway in a motorhome through Alaska. She was also a longtime supporter of Cal State University, Long Beach, athletics and an avid Dodger fan. Norma and her family sponsored a foreign exchange student Rosco Katemde, from Uganda, who became an anesthesiologist. Norma is survived by her son, Michael McGuire (Marlene), Washington; daughter Donna Griffith, Mutual 3; son, Stanley Poe, (Laura), Arkansas; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by her long time partner and neighbor, Perry Moore, Texas. The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received at Golden Groves Residential Care Home in Long Beach. She kept the staff on their toes with her well-known humor and wit. Services were handled by Neptune Society.