Laura posted a condolence
Sunday, June 1, 2025
I met Gloria when she kindly let my husband (a former student and neighbor), our then 1yo son and I stay at her home for free when we visited my father-in-law in 2016. I remember well how warm it felt to meet her and how much at home I felt immediately. We had our own room, and she let us use her computer and the rest of her house as if we weren't guests (2/3 she'd never met before). I remember being amazed by all the beautiful things she had in and around her house - the blue Beetle, the iconic wall paper in her kitchen, the big garden, the books. The doll house in her basement! She gave me some items to take home: two books (Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, with black characters and the most amazing illustration - we still have and read them, and I will keep and cherish them forever). A tea service with flowers which I adored (she wrapped it carefully for our flight back to Berlin, Germany; I still keep it in the place where I keep the very beautiful and dear things). She also taught me how to make the best cheese sauce; I've been doing it her way ever since I had a taste of it at her place, and it's just the best. It always reminds me of her and of the night we made it together at her place. I made it in her honor tonight. I also fondly remember her stories, which I couldn't get enough of. A memorable life that had a deep impact on many! I've always thought that we'd meet again and that she'd one day open the door to us the same friendly, sharp-minded, active lady she was in 2016. I never thought this wouldn't happen, even though she was over 80 back then already. I've met her in person for only 9 days, but she's left such strong footprints in my life. I can't even begin to imagine what difference she must have made for all those students, their parents, family, friends, neighbors and everyone else who had the pleasure to spend more time with her. Thank you, Gloria, for having been here. All my deepest condolences go out to those who were close to her. She will not be forgotten!
