Glorianne (Castagnola) Gendron

Gorianne was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. Born on December 26, 1930 in Alhambra, California, to Louise Rugieri Castagnola and Ferdinando Alesandro Castagnola, she was often referred by her parents at the best Christmas gift they could have ever received. She was the older sister to Larry Castagnola (Jackie) of Chico, CA and Mary Ellen Castagnola Campbell (Hugh) of Palo Alto, CA.

From an early age, Glorianne possessed an extraordinary spirit and a compassionate heart. She loved life and saw the good in everything. Glorianne was an exceptional individual, known for her warmth, kindness, and gentle nature and her awesome sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her genuine care and concern for others were evident in every interaction she had. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued and understood, always offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. She embraced life's challenges with unwavering strength, determination, her "this too shall pass" motto, and the belief in the power of love, faith, and family whom she cherished above all else.

Glorianne attended All Souls Grade School and was the Student Body President of Ramona Convent High School. After a year at the University of Southern California, she finished her college career at Immaculate Heart College where she received her Bachelor's degree in Bacteriology. She was a lab technician for several years and also taught high school in Los Angeles.

Glorianne fell in love with Jerry O. Gendron and, after a long courtship while he was serving in the navy in the Korean War, the two married in June 1956 in Alhambra, California. She was the beacon of love and guidance to their five children, imparting upon them the values of integrity, compassion, optimism, and perseverance: Mark Gendron (Loraine) of Portland, Mike Gendron, Matt Gendron (Cathy) of Colorado Springs, Suzi Gendron Bach (Steve) of Colorado Springs, and Meg Gendron Hansen of Boulder. Her nine grandchildren: Allison, Aaron, Katie, Anna, Matt, Jake, April, Michael and Jack and eight great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.

In 1971, Glorianne and Jerry moved their family from Los Angeles to the then-small town of Colorado Springs. In addition to her role as a loving wife and mother, Glorianne volunteered for several years in the mental health field and with Silver Key, worked as an office manager at the Colorado Springs Racquet Club, and then as a travel agent for the majority of her career. She traveled the world familiarizing herself with the best vacation destinations for her clients. She never missed her daily walks or gym workouts up until she turned 90 and was even featured on YouTube as one of the oldest TRX athletes.

Glorianne found joy in nature, spending all day in her garden, and savoring the beauty of the world around her. She was also a Master Gardener who could make anything grow, with some of the most beautiful gardens in Colorado Springs.

She loved to travel, read, attend live theater and the symphony, visit the Golden Bee, work in her garden, cook the most amazing meals, speak Italian and embrace her Italian heritage, and most of all spend time with her family. She learned to drive at age 12 on the Los Angeles highways and loved to drive fast, especially punching it on the I-25 to Briargate offramp. Her laughter, wit and radiant smile brightened the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Glorianne was preceded in death by her husband Jerry (1993) and her son Mike (1992) and will be laid to rest beside them near the Pike National Forest with forever views of beautiful Pikes Peak. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Glorianne's wish was for a private family celebration of her life. In honor of her memory, the family kindly requests any donations to Envision Home Health & Hospice in lieu of flowers, hams, or lasagnas.

She was 92 1/2 years old but recently relayed to her grandson and colleague, Aaron "Age is a number and mine is unlisted! May you stay forever young."