Along with her five siblings, Gloria was born, raised, and thrived in Seattle, Washington. A year after graduating from Ballard High School, on August 10, 1951, Ms. Gloria May Sorrentino married the man who would be the love of her life for the next 66 wonderful years, Mr. Richard Charles Hablewitz.
Gloria & Richard ventured out into the world on their own and bought a nice little piece of land in Seattle for an unbelievable price of one thousand dollars. As the first of many labors of love on that little piece of Seattle land and a truly inspirational testament to the love and commitment they shared for one another from the very beginning, Richard built the home in which he and Gloria loved, laughed, raised their 5 children, and wholeheartedly lived in together until her final days.
Gloria was a people-person; she was extremely outgoing, had a terrific sense of humor, and always knew how to make you feel special. She held annual family picnics and various family gatherings throughout the year, and always made time to go to the bakery with her girlfriends. She LOVED sports, was a HUGE fan of the Mariner’s, Seahawks & Sonics, and was even an avid Bowler herself. Gloria was generous with her time, had an extremely giving heart, and loved her family and community along with all of its children. She was the Vice President of The Golden Beavers Association, whose primary focus is to stimulate the Ballard High School seniors’ desire to achieve goals that prepare them for advanced education and/or training upon graduation through support and annual scholarships. In 2013, she received a Lifetime Service Award for her 56 years of selfless service to the children, families, and staff of Lawton Elementary School.
Gloria was a proud and true “Washingtonian” up to the day she left this earth to meet her mother and father, Wilma & Mike, mother and father-in-law, Edna & Charles Hablewitz, grandson, David “Davy” Hablewitz, sister, Beverly, and 2 brother-in-laws, Chuck (Beth) Johnson & Chuck (Evelyn) Balch, who all left before her.
She leaves her beloved husband, Richard Charles Hablewitz, their 3 daughters, Linda (Jim) Crites of Seattle, Diane (Jim) Rowland of Seattle, and Karen (Ken) Hagensen of Spokane; 2 sons, David Hablewitz of Seattle & Richard (Sue Ann) Hablewitz of Seattle; 2 granddaughters, Dawn (Matt) Marie Staal & Emily Sue Hablewitz; 5 grandsons, Jerry Leroy Potter, Aaron (Genna) James Crites, Jesse Jobe “JJ” (Kim) Potter, Jordan Michael Hablewitz & Ryan Michael Hablewitz; 7 Great-grandchildren; her 2 brothers, Lee (Joetta) Sorrentino & Richard (Darlene) Sorrentino; and 2 sisters, Beth (Chuck) Johnson & Evelyn (Chuck) Balch; several nephews, nieces, and greats; and many dear ones to cherish her loving memory.
Gloria was an amazing woman who will be truly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.
All who knew and loved Gloria are welcomed and encouraged to leave their fondest memories of her by signing her guestbook, below.
