Gloria Juliette McConkey

Gloria Juliette Burian McConkey, 81, passed away on April 11, 2013. She was born on March 16, 1932 in Hopkins, MN, the youngest daughter of Rev. Ludvik and Emily Kucera Burian. She is survived by her daughter Laurel McConkey Allen, son-in-law Phillip Allen, grandson Cameron Allen, sister Miriam Moore, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, H. Donald McConkey, sisters Florence Burian, Helen Griggs and Angie Reisser, and her parents.

Gloria graduated from Iowa State University in 1954 with a BS in Industrial Psychology and received a MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1957. She was a psychologist for Phoenix Elementary School District #1 for 33 years, where she was considered an expert in her field. Gloria was also known for her talent in arts and crafts, especially jewelry, and she was active in the Arizona Bead Society and volunteered at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum. She enjoyed writing, and after retirement she participated in writing classes at Phoenix College and published a cookbook, Mama’s Kitchen: Memories & Recipes from a Czech-American Home. Gloria was curious about everyone and everything and was loved for her creativity, intelligence, patience and ability to listen and be a good friend.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on June 4, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of Glencroft, 8611 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302, with a reception immediately following in the Grand Canyon Room. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, www.ncsml.org .