Gloria was born at home in Detroit, Michigan to Pauline (Margaret) Rudzinski Sauvage and Laurence Billany Sauvage. She was raised in the Catholic faith with her three brothers, her sister, and a young aunt; and was a member of St. Luke’s Parish until the time of her marriage.
She met her husband Larry at Providence Hospital in 1955 while working as a typist. They married in that same year. Gloria and Larry had been married for fifty-two years at the time of his death in 2007. Together they had nine children, two daughters and seven sons.
They bought their first home in 1956 on Cranston Street in Westland, Michigan. They would raise their family and live in that home until they moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2002. Many memories of happy times were made in that home. The neighbors and their children were as close as family, and Gloria remained in contact with many of her friends until her passing.
Gloria’s family was the most important thing in her life and she often said that all she ever wanted was to be a mother. Gloria was a passionate and organized mother and raised equally passionate and outspoken children! Her children are spread out from California to Michigan and she enjoyed traveling to their homes and their visits with her and Larry in Arizona.
Gloria attended Schoolcraft College after the first five children left home and received an Associate Degree in Business.
The Catholic faith and Catholic Church were prominent throughout Gloria’s entire life. Most of her children attended school at the family parish St. Bernardine. When Gloria and Larry moved to Tucson a large portion of time was spent with their church family at St. Pius X. They attended daily mass and Gloria was a very active member of several groups including the bereavement committee which provided food and support for families during funerals at the church. She was also a member of the Boutique which created crafts all year and hosted a large holiday Boutique every year before Christmas.
Anyone who knew Gloria was aware of her open hearted friendship and willingness to help anyone who needed it. She gave generous lifelong donations to many Catholic charities as well as supporting family members with loans in times of need. Her love of sending greeting cards to a large number of friends and family is also well known. Gloria loved sports and was a life-long fan of the Detroit Tigers, Redwings, and Pistons, and Lions. Her children have memories of long Summers narrated by Ernie Harwell on the kitchen radio as he gave play by play comments of the Tigers. Gloria also loved sewing and crafting, gardening, and HATs!
Gloria is predeceased by her husband Larry, her brothers Larry and Roland, her sister Shirley, her infant son Joseph, and her son Tom. She leaves behind her brother Tom (Nancy), her children Anna Marie (Jack), Jacqui, Eric (Diane), Joe, Ken (Hanlie), Steve, and Charles (Ina). She is survived by her grandchildren Michael Marsh, Daniel Marsh, Gina Henrich, Derek Singer-Henrich, Tiernan Henrich, Reinaegh Henrich, and Noelle Henrich, and her great-grandchildren Keili Henrich, Luke Henrich, and Madelyn Marsh.
Gloria is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, her brother in law, Glenn Giese, and her sister in law, Arlene Portman (Bill).
A celebration of life mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 North Camino Pio, Tucson, Arizona 85715 on Thursday, June 17th, 2021. Gloria will be interred with her husband Larry at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, Arizona 85635 immediately after the service at St. Pius.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to please consider a donation to Peppi’s House Hospice at Tucson Medical Center. (Gloria’s son Tom also passed away at Peppi’s House, in 2013)
Please visit the memorial website at: dignitymemorial.com for Gloria’s Obituary as well as to leave any wishes or comments for her family.
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