Gloria Ester Rodriguez

Gloria Ester Rodriguez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, counselor, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026. 

Born Gloria Ester Alvario in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Gloria spent her early years in New York City, where she was raised and developed the values of compassion, perseverance, and dedication that would guide her throughout her life. She later made Chicago, Illinois her home, where she spent most of her adult years building a loving family and a distinguished professional career.

Gloria dedicated her life to helping others. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, she devoted her career to supporting individuals, children, and families through life's challenges. Through her professional practice, she touched countless lives with her wisdom, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.

She was a proud graduate of Chicago State University and the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where she received the education that prepared her for a lifetime of service to her community.

Above all, Gloria treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Carmelo Rodriguez; her daughter, Jeanne Diaz; her son, David Vargas; her grandchildren, Angelique Zak, Adam Acevedo, Joaquin Vargas, and Ximena Vargas; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Nathan Zak and Elea Zak. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Ann Alverio, and her brother, Creaulio Alverio.

Gloria will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her dedication to helping others, her strength, and the love she shared so generously with family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so deeply.

Though she is no longer with us, her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

"May she rest in eternal peace.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL