Gloria Bouvia (December 7, 1935 – May 29, 2022) is one of the most accomplished bowlers in Oregon history. Her name was synonymous with high scores and tournament championships.
Coming up during the 1960’s Bouvia’s combination of strength and accuracy was unique for anyone on the women’s tour. She only played part time, working for a Portland law firm for 40 years, but when she hit the lanes, she was in it to win it.
Gloria has an impressive list of accomplishments, including WIBC doubles titles in 1969 and 1970 and the 1967 Bowling Proprietors Association National All-Star Tournament (U.S. Open). She was outstanding in 1963 winning the Oregon WBA team title, all-events title (with a 1768 series), and runner-up honors in doubles and singles.
As a member of the Women’s Bowlers Association, Gloria captured consecutive tournament wins in 1966 – the first woman to win back-to-back PWBA sanctioned events. She has a high series of 770 and high game of 289. In 1967 Gloria was awarded the GPWBA Inspirational Award.
Outside of competition, Bouvia was known as a friend and mentor to bowlers of all ages, keeping in touch with her many friends even after retirement, when she also enjoyed time on the golf course.
Friends and family packed Mt. Hood Lanes in Gresham for a celebration of her life in August 2022. She was inducted into the Women’s International Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Oregon State Women’s Bowlers Association Hall of Fame in 1977.