Gloria Dee Martin

Born on July 27, 1948, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Dee built a life centered around family, hard work, and bringing joy to others. For the past 40 years, she called Umatilla, Florida home, where she became a beloved and familiar presence in her community.

Dee devoted her entire career to hospitality, a field perfectly suited to her generous spirit and remarkable memory. She ended her career with her favorite employer, the Country Club of Mount Dora, where she served as Banquet Manager. Members adored her and often marveled at her incredible ability to remember even the largest and most detailed orders flawlessly, never once needing to write them down. Her warmth, professionalism, and personal touch made every guest feel special.

Outside of work, Dee’s love language was baking. She was known for her famous Magic Cookie Bars and delicious banana bread, and she especially loved baking pumpkin pies for her grandson, Jake. She treasured spending time with Luke, experimenting with all kinds of new recipes, and enjoyed making chocolate-covered strawberries with her granddaughter Karly. Her kitchen was always a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Dee also had a gift for crochet. It is certain that nearly every family member has one of her handmade blankets tucked somewhere in their home; a lasting hug from her hands and heart.

She was known for her bright blue eyes, made even more striking by her signature sparkly earrings. Colorful and dangling, they were her trademark. She owned enough pairs to wear a different pair every day of the year, and she wore them proudly.

Dee is survived by her longtime partner, John Parr; her five children Dawn Berreman, Robin Stewart (Craig Stewart), Charles Nugent (Rhonda Nugent), Michael Fortuna (Joanne Fortuna), and Peter Fortuna; her siblings Dot, Richard, Susanne, Donna, and David, her eleven grandchildren Jake, Luke, Karly, Heather, Sarina, Brandon, Benny, Jayce, Tyfanee, Britnee and Jessica; and four great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her generosity, her laughter, her sparkle, and most of all, the deep love she had for her family.

Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Visitation will be held at Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, located at 1617 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL, 32726, on March 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same venue at 11:00 am.

Following the service, the family will host a reception at the Pirates Pub, 25031 Co Rd. 42, Paisley, Florida 32767