Gloria H. Acker

Gloria H. Acker, 85, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services for Mrs. Acker will be held in the spring at a time to be announced.

Surviving are her husband, Christopher, of Ogdensburg, a son Christopher Acker Jr. and his wife Carol of California, a daughter Amanda Rice and her husband James of Pennsylvania; two brothers William Honan and his wife Jean, and Richard Honan and his wife Kathy both of Missouri. Mrs Acker also has four granddaughters, Lucy and Lena Rice and Rachael and Samantha Acker. A brother, John Honan, predeceased her.

Gloria was born on April 16, 1929 in Omaha NE, a daughter of the late John & Lucile (O’Rouke) Honan. Her parents moved to Kansas City shortly thereafter where she spent most of her childhood. She received a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Kansas in 1951. During her career she assisted with the clinical trials of the Salk (Polio) Vaccine at the University of Kansas and at Mass General Hospital in Boston and later was employed at 3M Corporation in New York City. She married Christopher Acker on December 14, 1957 at the Park Avenue Methodist Church in New York. In 1959 the couple relocated to the North Country where they raised their family.

Gloria was one of the founding members of The Community Players theater group in Ogdensburg and a Board of Directors member of the former Teen Center where she developed a summer tennis program. She had many interests. She enjoyed gardening, playing the piano, reading the NY Times, discussing politics, and watching sports, especially baseball, basketball, golf and tennis. She loved spending time with her family.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.