Gloria Anne Merrigan

February 4, 1930 - December 18, 2017

Gloria Anne Merrigan (Lapis) 87, passed away peacefully on December 18th 2017 at Casa San Miguel in Santa Barbara California, with her children by her side. Gloria was born Feb 4th 1930 in Hollywood Ca, to Joseph Paul Lapis and Urselle Baker Lapis. She attended St Charles Catholic school in North Hollywood, Ca. grades 1-6th. She transferred to Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy girls boarding school, and graduated in 1948. She was president of her class and participated in Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis. She also received the “Hall of Fame” award for her excellence in the sport of Basketball. After high school she attended Fresno State University from 1948-1952. She earned her BA degree in Teaching and Physical Education. While at Fresno State, Gloria was President of the Newman Club, President of Delta Sigma Epsilon Sorority, member of Pi Epsilon Honorary PE Sorority, member of Women’s Athletic Association and a member of Orchesis Modern Dance Club. After graduation she taught 2 years of PE at Wasco High School from 1952-1954. On September 11, 1954 Gloria married the love of her life Walter Daniel Merrigan Jr. of Las Vegas NV. Services were held at St Charles Catholic church in North Hollywood, Ca. The couple honeymooned in San Francisco, Reno and Lake Tahoe. Following the marriage, the couple settled in Las Vegas, NV from 1954-1960. While living in Las Vegas, Gloria gave birth to two of her four children, Michelle and Kevin. She was member and VP of American Association of University Women, a member of the Panhellenic Association which governed all collegiate sororities, and was also a chairperson of Marriage Encounter Retreats. In 1960 Gloria and Walt and their two children relocated to Santa Barbara, California. In Santa Barbara, Gloria and Walt had 2 more children, Kerri and Michael. With four children, Gloria continued to be active in various clubs and organizations. Still being a member of the AAUW and the Panhellenic Association, she became an active member of St Rapheals Catholic parish. Over the years, Gloria was involved with serving on St Raphaels Parish counsel, President of the CCD board, taught 2nd grade children preparing for 1st Holy Communion, taught 7th grade children in preparation for Confirmation, volunteered for St Rapheals youth group section, was an active member for Ladies of Charities of St. Vincents and continued her work with the Marriage Encounter Retreats. Gloria, along with her husband Walter, was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, counsel 5300. But she will be most remembered for being a greeter at the 9:30 am Sunday masses for many years. In 1977, with the passing of her beloved husband Walter, Gloria remained strong within her family, faith and friends. At this time Gloria started a new career path in the banking industry. She quickly realized that her true passion was teaching. Gloria became very active as the President of the PTA at San Marcos High School and started substitute teaching for Junior High and High School students in the mid 80s. In 1989 she became a teacher for the Santa Barbara School District as a Home Hospital Teacher. She brought many years of joy and happiness to her students she met through this program. She continued with this type of work, well into her retirement. Gloria’s strong belief in God and her religion, gave her the strength and courage to fight her cancer like a “BullDog” until her final day of Gods calling. She is survived by Michelle Merrigan, Kevin Merrigan, wife Diane, Kerri Churchill, husband Pat and Michael Merrigan. Four grandchildren, Alec Churchill, Ian Churchill, Riley Merrigan and Danielle Merrigan. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Ridley Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and caretakers at Ridley Tree Cancer Center, Casa San Miguel and Cottage Hospital who provided care for mom these past two years.