Gloria Mayo-Moreno, a dynamic and engaged resident at The Meadows, has lived a life filled with purpose, service, and community. Originally from Lockhart, Texas, Gloria’s journey has taken her through an extensive career in education and government, a deep commitment to her family, and an active retirement at Morningside.
Gloria was born on July 6, 1946, and grew up in Lockhart, attending high school there before beginning her career right out of school. She later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she worked in an educational development laboratory focused on addressing high school dropout rates. Her passion for education and advocacy led her to work as a bilingual secretary and children’s book translator before moving to San Antonio to attend Our Lady of the Lake University, pursuing a degree in education while working part-time. It was also in San Antonio where she met her future husband, Arthur (Art). Their first date was a double date with Art’s roommate, Frank Tejeda, who would later become a U.S. Congressman. Though Frank’s date didn’t turn into a lasting relationship, Gloria and Art’s bond grew stronger, leading to marriage and a shared commitment to service and family.
Gloria’s career spanned several influential roles. She taught at Edgewood ISD in San Antonio before moving to Austin where she worked in an entry-level legislative position to the Chief of Staff at the Texas Capitol. For 23 years, she worked at the Capitol before continuing in government relations as the Director of Government Relations at the Texas Department of Health and then finishing her career lobbying for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her busy professional life, she and Art raised three accomplished daughters, one working on nursing home policy, another in San Antonio as a stay-at-home mother, and the third in Dallas as an attorney for Christus Health. They also have eight grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 to 23 years old.
After living in Austin for over 40 years, Gloria and Art decided to move to Morningside at The Meadows in December 2023. The decision was sparked by a visit to her high school friend, Joyce Davis, whom she hadn’t seen in nearly 50 years. During a holiday lunch at The Meadowlark, Gloria was drawn to the warm ambiance and active community. Having visited other senior living communities, The Meadows stood out to Gloria for its vibrancy, amenities, and 24/7 support. A game of cornhole with residents helped seal the deal, and she and Art made the move with ease as their Austin home leased quickly.
Art, who suffered a severe fall a year and a half ago that led to a brain injury requiring intensive care, now resides at The Manor, where he receives excellent care and remains actively engaged. Gloria divides her time between visiting Art, volunteering with AARP, reconnecting with old friends, and serving on the GED program committee to help individuals attain their diplomas. She also enjoys visiting her grandchildren in Dallas.
At Morningside, Gloria has embraced a leadership role as Resident Council President. The council, which meets monthly, addresses resident concerns ranging from dining services to maintenance issues. One of her key initiatives is improving access to essential medical information for emergency responders. She also co-moderates the “Tell Your Story” group, which evolved from a Lenten Stories gathering initiated by Pastor Harry Kahl. The group has become a cherished space for residents to share their life experiences.
Beyond her leadership roles, Gloria finds joy in participating in “Trivia with Wes” and is getting more involved in Morningside’s programs. She appreciates the wide range of activities available, recognizing how vital engagement is for residents’ well-being, especially compared to the limited options her father had when he lived in a nursing home with Parkinson’s.
Despite an impulsive decision to move to The Meadows, Gloria has loved every minute of her new community. She remains dedicated to making Morningside an even better place for all residents, ensuring that everyone feels supported, connected, and empowered.
