Paloma Brown Glad

February 14th 1990- January 20th 2021

Paloma Brown Glad was loved by everyone who knew her. She passed away on Wednesday, January 20th, in her apartment in Belmont, CA of an accidental drug-overdose, with her partner Bruno. She was the mother of a beautiful boy, age six, whom she cared for deeply. Both Paloma and Bruno loved their son so much and provided him with a childhood full of exciting adventures and fun. Family and friends throughout the Bay Area and beyond are bereft at this sudden and tragic loss.

Paloma grew up in San Mateo, California. She spent her entire life on the mid-peninsula attending local public schools and participating in Bay Area life. Friends and family who knew her best remember her as fun, caring and one who was full of life. She left a lasting impact on everyone who met her.

She struggled with addiction; a topic that her family considered an indiscreet and important aspect of her life. In her early twenties she suffered immensely from the disease. Her family and friends feared she would endure an early death. Though she suffered from addiction, she never stopped loving and caring for others. Even in her darker times, she had a bright attitude and always looked at life playfully-- an attitude most would forego with even one night of house-lessness or succumbing to a weakened state. To say the least, she was tough and always kept a good attitude.

This was a characteristic of Paloma that needs to be highlighted. Her resilience was unparalleled. Though she suffered for many years with the weight of addiction, she believed raising a family would triumph-- and it did. She persevered with determination, believing that raising a child would draw new life on a fresh canvas. As her son emerged into this world, so did Paloma, yet again. Her family supported her and she regained and reclaimed so much of her life that she had set-aside in her early twenties.

Paloma was an artist. She contained all of the necessary qualities and skills: Enigmatic, wild, playful and imaginative. She worked for many years in Burlingame, at All Fired Up, with her son by her side. She was project oriented and when there was an opportunity to focus on art she leaned-in. She was a member of a local art collective that met monthly, who all recall her talents fondly.

Her community is left open to the exposed nerve of the ubiquitous irony of her death. Like sand falling through her hands, the gravity of her addiction was both a ‘fate foretold’ and stoppable, leaving in her wake a sense of unrequited resolve. Her passing last week was a mistake, accidental, and yet still painfully and potentially unavoidable. She loved her son and was planning for a life full of adventure, fun, art and new vistas co-created with his youthful naivete. He will remember his mom as someone who truly loved him. Someone who would hold him close, look deep into his eyes and connect. She was someone who taught him how to care for others and work hard for the things he wants. Paloma’s unique and curious imagination has succeeded her. It lives in her son. Her family is excited to provide the life Paloma wanted for him. She will be missed everyday.

Paloma is survived by her two brothers, mother and stepfather and a whole host of relatives who are devastated by her demise. She is predeceased by her beloved father, Paul Glad. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled as it becomes safe to gather.