According to the statement, Gloria Pepin died quietly at home in Madison, Connecticut, on Saturday, surrounded by her family, close friends, and dog. She was 83 years old at the time. "We are overtaken with loss, but Gloria was a fighter: a tough, resilient, 'no-tears' lady." said her daughter, María Fernández. "She had an incredible spirit that never failed to give me hope even in the darkest times. I will always be my mother's champion." Gloria was born on April 2, 1933, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Rafael Pepin and Dolores Quiñones Navarro. When she was two years old, her family moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where they have lived ever since. She has three children: Maria Fernández, who is also a singer; José Díaz, who works in finance; and Elisa Meléndez, who is a fashion designer. She has nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 2007, Gloria founded the non-profit organization Chorus America, which promotes music education in schools across the United States. She held this position for more than seven years when she retired early due to health reasons. In addition to English, Gloria spoke Spanish. Gloria began studying voice at the age of 14 under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth Poulin.