Gloria May Skurla

Skurla, Gloria May, age 89, of Berwyn PA, peacefully on July 21, 2017. Beloved wife for 68 years of Joseph Skurla. Beloved mother of Joseph R. Skurla (Jacqueline), Richard W. Skurla (Alexandra) and Janna E. Sherrill (Alan). Loving Mimi of Kristin, Casey, Mary Kate, Joshua, Matthew, Kalle, Danny, and Mikhail. Great Mimi of Madeline, Emma, Andrew, Will, Shea, Keane, Sophia, Lauren, Cade, Skylar and Tanner.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday July 28 after 9:30 am at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 50 W. Walker Rd. Wayne PA 19087. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30am. Interment private at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association of the Delaware Valley, 399 Market St. Suite 102, Phila PA 19106. www.ALZ.org Arrangements by Alleva FH.

As published in the Morning Call and Suburban/Main Line

Gloria Skurla of Berwyn, PA passed away peacefully this past Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Devon Senior Living in Devon, PA due to the devastating effects of Alzheimers which she gracefully withstood for nearly a decade. Born Gloria May DeSorde on May 14, 1928 to William and Anna DeSorde on a farm that is now part of Emmaus, PA near Allentown, Gloria went to Allentown High School (now William Allen HS) where she was a gifted student. Gloria was elected vice-president of her class and developed a keen interest in journalism and communication. Gloria also attended Allentown Business College.

Joe and Gloria were married for 68 years of mutual devotion and have served as a role model for their 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. When Joe went to Italy to serve in the army, Gloria wrote over 400 letters which we still have and a personal diary all of which illustrate not only her love of her husband but her love of writing and communication. After the war, life took over. Three children came within the next 10 years and Gloria focused her life on supporting her Joe and raising the 3 kids..

Although her dream of a career in journalism was never achieved, she had another talent which provided lifelong joy to all who heard her.

Blessed with a powerful and pitch perfect soprano she was a member of St. Isaac Jogues church choir.

Hearing her sing Ave Maria, O Holy Night or The Our Father at a midnight mass was a spiritual experience for all. She also sang at weddings, funerals, the Phoenixville Senior Center, Surrey Senior Center and other church choirs in the area prior to her fight with Alzheimers. Even during the increasing darkness of Alzheimers, there were moments of light brought about by her still pure voice.

Her journalistic and communication skills did serve her well. Gloria was a talented, confident and forceful woman who was able to use her wit and keen observation to carry a conversation and maintain a lively interaction. She also read voraciously, was addicted to crossword puzzles, enjoyed bridge, painted in various media and even knitted and sewed at a professional level.

Along with her husband she is survived by her 3 children, Joseph Richard Skurla (Jacqueline) who resides in Chicago, Richard William Skurla (Alexandra), living in Boulder and Janna Elizabeth Sherrill (Alan) who resides in Downingtown, PA. When the grandchildren came along, she decided to be known as Mimi. “Marvelous” Mimi was adored by her 8 grandchildren: Kristin, Casey, Mary Kate, Joshua, Matthew, Kalle, Danny and Mikhail. They all looked forward to her showering of attention and love. Her 11 great grandchildren, Madeline, Emma, Andrew, Will, Shea, Keane, Sophia, Lauren, Cade, Skylar and Tanner continue the growing progeny which provide testament to Mimi’s life.

While we will miss this wondrous wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Marvelous Mimi will always be with us.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St Isaac Jogues Church, Wayne, on Friday, July 28 at 10:30 AM following visitation at the church at 9:30 AM. Interment will be

private at a later date. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Delaware Valley, 399 Market St, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.