Irma Willard

Irma Willard, 68, born on December 19, 1945, in El Paso, Texas, completed her journey here on earth on September 11, 2014 after suffering a heart attack and years of heart and auto-immune health related issues. Although Irma was a strong and resilient woman, her small, fragile body just wasn't strong enough to recover from the amount of trauma and illness her body had endured throughout the years.

Beloved mother to her three sons, Paul Gamboa, Ryan Gamboa and Vince Gamboa; devoted sister to Ernest Hernandez and half-sister to Martha, Gabriel and Victor; loving grandmother to Melissa Stewart (Gamboa), Paul Gamboa, Jr., Cynthia and Anna and loving great grandmother to Thomas Stewart Gamboa. Irma was also mother-in-law to James Perfetti and fondly remembered by Mark Willard (step-son from previous marriage).

She resided in Arcadia, California at the time of her passing. Prior to residing in Arcadia, Irma lived in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County from 1981 to 2011. Irma worked as a dental assistant in both Los Angeles and Santa Rosa, California. She started her own Lien Service business in 1983 which she managed for 15 years. Irma will be remembered as a strong, resilient, beautiful, caring and giving individual with a fiery spirit. She was an amazing cook who loved good food (the spicier the better), good wine and who loved to dance (especially to disco music).

Irma loved her boys, her grandchildren and her family. Irma believed that anything in life was possible as long as you believed in yourself, worked hard enough and never took "no" for an answer. She had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh and warm presence. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a viewing and rosary on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Forest Lawn, Church of the Recessional, 1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205, (800) 204-3131 and for Funeral Services on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 10 am to 11:30 am at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 370 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, (626) 447-1671.

There will be a reception following the services on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 12 pm to 3 pm at Rudy's Mexican Restaurant located at 602 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, (626) 303-3393. Please RSVP at jamesandvince@gmail.com or (415) 533-6730 if you plan to attend the reception.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

The American Heart Association
http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TRC/Events/General?pg=feditor&fr_id=1030&pxfid=271002


OR


The Arthritis Foundation
http://www.kintera.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=7dJJKVNpFkG&b=310275&sid=8nJCJRMwFhINLOPiGiE


Reception to follow the service at: RUDY'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN MONROVIA BETWEEN 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.