Victoria Gleason-Esguerra

On Friday, March 25, 2016, Victoria Ann Gleason-Esguerra (aka Vickie, Mom, Auntie Vic), of East Hartford, CT, lost her fight with cancer. Diagnosed in June 2015, those who knew her best never doubted she would win this fight, and win it convincingly. Unfortunately, it is far too often in these cases that our own mortality is shown to us through the struggles and losses suffered by the strongest among us. They fight like heroes, and are not only remembered, but immortalized in our memories by the courage and valor they showed in their final battle. Our heroes journey begins on May 21, 1963 as the oldest of four children born to Robert and Lois Gleason. Like any older sister, she would play the role of guardian and protector. Always the smartest and most stubborn among her peers growing up, her greatest strength was her heart. Only showing later in life the toll taken on it by the infinite amount of love it showered our lives and our world with. Her favorite adventure, and the one she took the most pride in, was becoming a mom. She was a teenage mother of two, and while this endeavor is a full time one, in and of itself, it did not keep her from starting and running a successful business in Caribou, ME. It further could not burden her from, but rather pushed her towards a college degree, and graduating as valedictorian. She was the perfect mother, who not only loved and protected her children, but used her life to shine bright, as a beacon of inspiration for them through her example. Using her experience as a sister and mother, and her degree, she became a registered nurse and eventually a director of nurses. She showered every resident in her care with the same love and affection of a family member, and they became one as a result. She was a friend, a role model, an inspiration, and a saint to those closest to her. She is survived by her husband, Ernesto, children, Wayne and Stefanie, siblings, Harmony, William, and Kathleen, and granddaughter, Peyton. But more than that, through countless hugs, smiles, kisses, laughs, and kind words, she is survived by her immortal legacy of love, both given and received. Her time on earth was far too short, and she will be dearly missed, but like all heroes, she will live on forever. Funeral services and burial will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com