Gloria Catherine Mackin was born in Baltimore, MD on December 31, 1930 to James and Ann (Unverzagt) Mackin. She was the older sister to Jim and David. Gloria graduated from Seton High School, trained as a secretary, and then worked at a local Selective Service board. In 1952, she met Sydney E. Albrittain, an Army officer who had just returned from action in the Korean War. Sydney Albrittain left the service, joined the homebuilder Dittmar Company, and he and Gloria married in 1954, settled in Fairfax City and started a family.
Shortly thereafter, the Albrittains moved to Arlington to be closer to the nexus of the burgeoning business. In the ensuing years, Gloria’s life revolved around her children Nancy (Christopher Bright), Clare, Matt, Chris, Mary (Bill Haas), Mike (Krissy), W. Sydney (Whitney), and Kerry (Jim Williams). As a mother of a large family with youngsters spread across several schools and with far flung interests, she exhibited extraordinary resilience and stamina. She mothered with grace and efficiency. Furthermore, her children say she and their father both parented by example; demonstrating respect for others, love for family, honesty, and a strong work ethic. Gloria was devoted to her 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Gloria’s husband predeceased her in 2012 and her son W. Sydney passed away in 2016.
As her children grew and left home, Gloria enjoyed playing tennis and golf, especially at Washington Golf Country Club, as well as staying active in local community organizations such as her Neighbors Club, Catholic Charities and the Dominion Guild. Later in life, Gloria became an earnest bridge player.
Gloria was a faithful parishioner at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington and an active supporter of “Missionhurst,” an Arlington-based Catholic organization which sends priests and brothers to the poorest and most neglected regions of the world. Even at the end of her life, Gloria truly enjoyed attending Missionhurst’s first Friday Mass and luncheons. Gloria and her late husband philanthropically supported many charitable organizations, including St. Agnes and other Catholic causes, as well as other entities in northern Virginia.
Arrangements are being handled by Murphy Funeral Homes. A gathering of family and friends will take place at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge on Friday, November 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM (1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington). The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, November 17 at 11 am at St. Agnes (1910 North Randolph Street, Arlington) followed immediately by a private graveside service for family members. After Mass, guests are invited to a reception at a location to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Missionhurst, or Capital Caring. In the event flowers are sent, they may be delivered to the Holiday Inn-Rosslyn.
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