Obituary of Gloria G. Milks
WATERFORD –
It was a spring day on April 29, 1930 when a little blonde baby girl arrived at Binghamton General Hospital - Gloria - to the delight of her parents, Mary Henderson Gay and William David Gay of Owego, NY. Gloria grew up in Owego and lived there most of her life. She graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1948 as the Salutatorian of her class. She attended Elmira College where she received an associate degree in marketing. Gloria married Edward Milks of Owego and they raised their children Marianne and Bill in Owego. Gloria reentered the workforce after a number of years raising her children. She served as the Village of Owego assessor and she retired as the Real Property Tax Director for Tioga County.
Gloria was raised in a musical family, had a beautiful voice, loved music, and sung in choirs including at OFA, Elmira College, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Owego. Gloria also taught Sunday school at St. Paul’s where her late brother, David Gay, was the organist and choirmaster for thirty years. Gloria also enjoyed gardening and particularly was proud of the beautiful garden she maintained at her home in Owego. In her later years when gardening was no longer available, she continued to pursue her long interest in current affairs and history.
Gloria and Edward recently celebrated their 70th anniversary on November 26. But for the flood of 2011 which destroyed their home on Temple Street, Gloria and Edward would have been life-time residents of Owego. They relocated to Waterford, NY to be close to family. After many years of declining health, Gloria left us on December 17 with her daughter Marianne by her bedside. Gloria and her family were greatly assisted by Community Hospice and fellow members of the Grace Episcopal Church in Waterford. At her request, there will be no formal services.
Gloria was predeceased by her baby daughter Elizabeth, her brothers William, David and Donald, and her parents. Gloria is survived by her loving husband Edward, her sister Marianne Cantatore of Harrington Park, NJ, her sister-in-law Janet Kuhns, her daughter Marianne Milks of Watervliet, NY, her son Bill Milks of Juneau, Alaska and his wife Harriet, her grandchildren David and Nathaniel Hines and Sarah and Reece Milks, and many nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to make a donation in Gloria’s memory could consider Tioga County Rural Ministry in Owego, NY, or a charity of their choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Milks Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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