Gloria Brebner Obituary
Gloria Brebner, born to Cleveland Brebner and Nora Campbell on May 9, 1939, in Caimanera, Cuba, died suddenly on July 22, 2026, following a heart attack. Her life was marked by resilience, love for family, and a spirit that never stopped moving forward.
Gloria grew up in a close-knit and loving family alongside her sister, Monica Duelina Lorenzo. In Caimanera, she navigated the richness and complexity of her heritage—learning and speaking Spanish at school while embracing the traditions and patois of her Jamaican ancestry. From an early age, she showed creativity, patience, and exceptional skill with her hands. Gloria's talent for needlepoint and embroidery became a source of pride and help for her family. She was especially known for her delicate embroidered tablecloths, which she made to earn extra money and support the home. Even during difficult times, she found ways to contribute with grace and determination.
The Cuban Revolution permanently changed the family's future. In 1967, Gloria was forced to learn how to survive on her own. With her mother, Nora Campbell, having fled to Jamaica, and her sister Monica escaping to the United States a few years earlier, Gloria remained in Cuba and was sent to "La Granja", one of Cuba's agricultural work camps. For two years, she worked from early morning until evening under grueling quotas and in harsh, inhumane conditions. But her perseverance did not waver. When Gloria was finally granted permission to leave the country, she had one way to help finance her escape: she sold her finest embroidered tablecloth—proof of both her strength and her ability to turn her gifts into hope.
In 1969, Gloria was reunited with her sister Monica upon arriving in New York City. The two sisters built a new life together in the Bronx. Not long after, Gloria was also reunited with the love of her life, Carlos Malcolm. Gloria quickly found work, she started in a cookie factory, and after completing a certificate program, she became a Nurse's Aide at Mount Sinai Hospital. She served with care in various roles at Mount Sinai until her retirement in 2006.
Gloria lived by her motto: "Live Your Life.". She believed in joy, encouraged those around her to do the same, and genuinely loved good a time—especially dancing and eating out at great restaurants. She also cherished travel, making memories with Malcolm and friends across the Caribbean, Hawaii, and along the eastern seaboard. Her final trip was to the City of Jerusalem, a meaningful journey made before dementia began to affect her life.
For Gloria, family was not only important—it was everything. In 1979, she and Monica reunited with their mother, Nora Campbell, when Nora was brought to the United States. In 2006, Gloria also honored her father's memory by welcoming her half-brother, Francisco Ramirez, to the United States. Family gatherings were a cherished joy. Gloria loved celebrating—especially after years of family separation that were beyond her control, but never beyond her hope that they would reunite.
Gloria Brebner passed away on July 22, 2026, surrounded by the legacy of a life lived with courage and love. She is survived by her niece, Alexis Lorenzo, her brother, Francisco Ramirez, her goddaughter, Janelle Porter, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland Brebner and Nora Campbell, her sister, Monica Duelina Lorenzo, and her life partner, Carlos Malcolm.
