Imelda Lamar Gregov (née Guzman)

January 16, 1942 – July 27, 2025

Imelda Lamar Gregov passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 83. Born on January 16, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Cristobal and Consuelo Guzman.

Imelda’s life was a beautiful testament to warmth, generosity, and deep connection. A devoted wife, she shared almost 62 loving years of marriage with her husband, Joseph Gregov. Together they raised three children—Mark (Ingrid), John (Erin), and Jennifer (Michael) -all of whom still live in the Seattle area. She was also a cherished grandmother to Alexis, Nicole, Max, Spencer, Natalie, and Mickey. Imelda’s family was the joy of her life, and she took great pride in nurturing the traditions, celebrations, and relationships that kept everyone close.

Imelda’s personality was magnetic—she had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether offering kind advice, remembering every birthday or anniversary, or simply asking how you were and really wanting to know. She made every interaction meaningful. Her quiet strength and thoughtful counsel helped many friends and family members navigate life’s challenges. People loved her for her presence—steadfast, sincere, and always full of heart.

An accomplished and passionate artist, Imelda expressed herself through sketching, watercolors, oils, sculpture, sewing and crafting, a gift she shared unconditionally with everyone. She participated in artist societies in both Seattle and Palm Springs, and her talent was recognized with exhibitions in both cities, as well as on the walls of all the people she loved. She was a lifelong learner and creator, constantly evolving in her work and encouraging others to explore their own creativity.

She was also an amazing cook and wonderfully warm hostess. Everyone had a place in her home; friends, family and those in need always felt welcome, were cared for and loved. Her homemade tortillas and beans were legendary in the family, and she was always there offering sage advice or a secret ingredient. In her kitchen, food was love, culture, and memory.

Her expressions like “Ay dios mio!” and her playful protectiveness of wrapping paper during birthdays and holidays became cherished family lore. She’d slowly unwrap each gift, saying she wanted to save the paper—though really, she just wanted to savor the moment.

Imelda is survived by her husband Joseph, her three children—Mark (Ingrid), John (Erin), and Jennifer (Michael) and her six grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved brother Carlos, and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her brothers Alex and Chris.

All of her children remember her unwavering support throughout many phases of life like; getting up before dawn to drive Mark on his paper route so he could get more rest, showing up for every celebration, driving all three children to every sporting event and making sure everyone felt equally loved. That was who Imelda was, someone who quietly, consistently, and beautifully showed up for the people she loved.

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