Gloria Khin

Gloria Khin passed away at home in Clarkdale, Arizona on October 23, 2023. A proud ethnic Karén, she was born in Pyapon, Burma (Myanmar) on January 14, 1939, to Daw Margaret (nee Dwe), a teacher, and Edward Heaton, a British subject who worked as a banking administrator in Burma.  Her formative years were widely affected by the turmoil that afflicted her town during the Second World War, shaping her later attitudes toward life.

At the youthful age of 16 years, she completed her university exams early, an accomplishment of which she was long and rightfully proud and became a science and math teacher at middle school in Pyapon.

She married her devoted husband, BaSaw, in 1960, had their son, Conrad, in 1965, then emigrated to the United States in 1968 settling in Douglas, Arizona. In 1974 she proudly became a United States citizen.  In Douglas, she put most of her focus into raising Conrad, but continued furthering her own education, and when needed, played piano for her church. Her husband’s job transfer took the family to Tucson in 1983 where she took a job teaching, as was her passion, specializing in braille and assisting blind students at Palo Verde High School.

Following retirement, she moved to Clarkdale in 2005 to be closer to and help with her grandchildren. Owing to her childhood experiences, Gloria preferred quiet pleasures such as chatting and reminiscing with family and friends, cooking incredible Burmese food, doing crossword puzzles, watching her favorite television shows, reading bible passages, and listening to 50s, 60s, and 70s pop and country music.

She was preceded in passing by her father and mother, and beloved younger brother, Victor. She is survived by her husband, BaSaw; son Conrad (Rebecca); two adoring grandchildren, Aine “Atticus” and Danielle “Dani”; sister, Joan (Myint); brother Peter (Margaret); sister-in-law, Htoo Paw; and many amazing nephews and nieces each and all whom she held dear.

Gloria’s family would especially like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her superb and tender caregivers and nurses who saw to her contentment and comfort in her final days.

She is deeply missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Khin, please visit our floral store.