Gloria Garmendia Cendagorta

Gloria Garmendia Cendagorta, age 86, passed away on January 19, 2026, in West Jordan, Utah. She was born on June 14, 1939, in Amorebieta, Bizkaia, Spain, to Julian and Jesusa Garmendia. She married Jose Cendagorta on July 10, 1958.

Gloria retired at the age of 72, embracing her golden years with the same energy and love that defined her life. Surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren, and family, she found immense joy in teaching them the art of Basque cooking, passing down cherished family recipes and traditions. Her kitchen was always filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and the spirit of togetherness.

A passionate gardener, Gloria was famous for her annual crop of at least 20 tomato plants – her signature “fresh tomatoes” marking the start of every gardening season. Her green thumb and dedication to her garden were matched only by her generosity in sharing its bounty with friends and family.

Gloria’s culinary talents shone brightest during the holidays, especially at the Utah Basque Club’s Christmas party, where her squid dish and walnut pudding became a much-anticipated highlight year after year. She was a steadfast supporter of the Utah Basque Club, contributing her time and talents to the annual dinner and fostering a sense of community and heritage.

Her home was a gathering place for the church community, where Gloria hosted countless get-togethers filled with warmth, hospitality, and genuine connection. She created a welcoming space where everyone felt valued and loved.

Gloria’s legacy lives on in the traditions she nurtured, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable talents but for the love and joy she brought to all who knew her.

Gloria is survived by her three children, John (Jo) Cendagorta, Cathy (Danny) Hall, and Louie (Lynn) Cendagorta; her grandchildren, Natalie, Whitney, Alise, Zachary, Ethan, and Elliott; and her great-grandchildren, Michael, Mari, Sebastian, Raya, Starla, Luke, Emma, and Elias.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Cendagorta, and her grandson, Elliott Cendagorta.

Family and friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah.

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:30 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4501 West 5215 South, Kearns, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM.

Interment will take place following services at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff at Sunridge Assisted Living and Memory Care for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Basque Club of Utah.

Venmo @basqueclubofutah or email utbasqueclub@gmail.com to find other methods.