Visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2018 with a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. at the Memorial Funeral Home.
Gilda was born, July 6, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of Salvatore Parlato and Rose Italiano who preceded her in death.
When Gilda was 14, her parents moved the family to Hollywood, CA where her father found work in the motion picture industry. It was in California, on a pier, where she met a handsome sailor who would become her soulmate and loving husband of almost 60 years. Gilda and John Frederick Lorenz were united in marriage on June 23, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 28, 2005.
Gilda and John resided in Hollywood for 30 years during which time they raised their 3 children. In 1975, they relocated to Vista, CA. Shortly after resettling a friend suggested that Gilda consider working at a local Baptist Church School. There she assisted in caring for youngsters for 25 years. She maintained ties with many of those children well into their adulthood. Following her husband’s passing she moved to Columbia, MO where she and her daughter (Kathleen) found residence in a neighborhood where there were plenty of children. She was quickly an adopted grandmother by many even going with them to their school’s grandparent’s day. She loved all children and especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, her love of life, and her joy of being surrounded by friends and family.
Gilda is survived by her children; Kathleen F. Lorenz of Columbia, MO, Eric (Linda) J. Lorenz of Columbia, MO, a daughter in-law, Maria E. Gonzalez Lorenz of Granada Hills, CA, her grandchildren, Jonathan T. Crump of Nacogdoches, TX, Sheehan Rose (Daniel) Drake of Honolulu, HI, Dylan Ross (Natalie Hampton) Lorenz, of Columbia, MO, Jorge Martinez, Carlos Martinez, both of Granada Hills, CA, a great granddaughter, Zoe Elizabeth Drake and several nieces and nephews in Southern California. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one son, Mark F. Lorenz.
