Ana Portela Glaze

Anita Lourdes Portela Glaze (Ana) was born on September 27, 1947 in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States on July 4, 1961. She came to the US by herself at 13 years of age, through Operation Peter Pan which was the largest exodus of minor refugees in the Western Hemisphere at that time. She attended St. Joseph Academy in Saint Augustine, FL, where she was immersed in the English language. She was later reunited in 1962 with her mother, Lydia Portela Crespo, and stepfather, Jose Crespo. The decision to better their lives for more opportunity was made in 1964 and they moved to Chantilly, VA where her older brother, James Portela, reconnected with the family. Ana graduated from Herndon High School in 1965. After being set up on a blind date with Ron Glaze, they married on April 8, 1967 and then began building their bonded family. Ana always loved working with children and teenagers. When Jim and Julie were little she began working as a teacher at Virginia Montessori School. She also co-founded Kids in Motion, a movement class for young children that was held in various local Montessori schools. When her daughter became a cheerleader, she began coaching at All Saints Catholic School. Later in her career, Ana continued with coaching at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas where she built one of the most notable cheer programs in the state. She led the cheerleading team to many district, region, and state titles. The three state championship titles were her biggest and most memorable accomplishments. Ana was not just a coach to so many cheerleaders. She was their mentor, second mom, and biggest cheerleader. She knew how to push to help each athlete succeed on and off the mat. With her positive attitude and infectious personality, Ana lit up every room she entered. She was a class act and respected by all. As an apparel sales representative for Cheerleader Danz Team/Varsity, she was the recipient of the coveted Lawrence R. Herkimer Award and was an original inductee into the inaugural Stonewall Jackson High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Ana was a legend in the cheerleading world - especially here in Northern Virginia. Ana loved the beach and gardening with her husband, Ron. She had a gift for cooking, especially her Spanish and Cuban cuisine. She loved a good Cosmo, but only one, otherwise you would have to “carry her out.” While only just five feet tall, she loved big and left beautiful memories in the minds and hearts of everyone who knew her. Her fiery spirit will always be remembered. The one thing that brought the most joy to Ana’s life was spending time with her dear family and dog, Lucy. Her son Jim Glaze and wife Caye of Gainesville, VA, and their two handsome sons, Mitchell and Evan. Her daughter Julie Koch and husband Jason of Bristow, VA and their two beautiful daughters Kamryn and Lilly Ana. She cherished being “Gigi” and showed off her four grandchildren every chance she had. Her first cousin, Lupe Quintero, is like her sister and resides in Miami, FL. Family was everything to Ana and she loved them all so very much. Ana succumbed to an illness on December 4, 2022. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on December 18, 2022 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association.

Ana Portela Glaze

September 27, 1947 - December 4, 2022