Gladis Barahona Martinez

Gladis Barahona Martínez was born on November 22, 1965, in canton La Isla, near the city of Metapán, in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Gladis passed away on the afternoon of August 18, 2025, in the company of her daughter, Melany Cervantes Barahona. At the age of 17, Gladis emigrated from El Salvador to Los Angeles, California to start a new life with her siblings. Like many immigrants, she arrived with no money, no knowledge of the English language, and no formal education. What she did bring with her was a strong will to succeed and a resilient hope for new opportunities in a new country. After working a full-time job during the day, she assiduously attended night school to study English. She did this all because her sister, María, refused to translate a letter for her. She was always stubborn and proud: the surest way to get her to reach a goal was to tell her she couldn’t do it. That’s how she ended up being successful at so many thing. She started with English, which she mastered over her lifetime and used valiantly to stand up for herself and others whenever necessary. She followed this with sewing, becoming a master seamstress and working for decades making garments for high-end brands like L.L. Bean. Later in life, even after losing her sight and being declared legally blind, she never stopped being creative. Even though her eyesight was limited, she spent her time knitting and working on other projects. Throughout her life, she never stopped learning. She loved designing clothes, dressing up, wearing heels, and perfume — but those who had the pleasure of knowing her well know that what she loved most was laughter. She shared her joy, her anecdotes, and her jokes with everyone — even with the doctors and nurses who cared for her in hospitals and clinics. Above all else, she loved passionately and showered her love and affection on her daughter, her siblings, and her nieces and nephews. Her absence now leaves a huge void in our hearts and lives, but we will always remember our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend with the greatest affection. May she rest in peace. The family invites friends to join them for the wake, which is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. The interment will take place in Maplewood Cemetery.

Gladis Barahona Martinez

November 22, 1965 - August 18, 2025