Gloria O’Donnell, (nee Stewart), of New York City, NY passed away quietly at home in the early morning hours of March 24, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. While we, the family, are grateful for the merciful end of her suffering, we are nonetheless pained and saddened at the loss of our beautiful Wife and Mother. It has been said that when you lose a loved one to Alzheimer’s, you lose them twice. With heavy heart, we now know that this is true.
Gloria was born in New York City on March 10, 1941, to Theodore and Katherine Stewart (nee Hogan) and was one of three daughters, with sisters Virginia (deceased) and Kathy. Gloria lived on the Upper East Side her entire life, attending De Sales Elementary School where she met her future husband, Patrick (Paddy) O’Donnell, and then Cathedral High School.
Gloria and Paddy were married on April 20, 1963, and had three children: son Patrick, who tragically died at the age of two, daughter Gloria, and son Daniel (Danny). A parent can never recover from the loss of a child, especially one as young, as beautiful, and as loved as our dear Patrick, yet together they persevered and went on to nurture a loving and successful family. Gloria was blessed with a strong will and the boldness to do whatever she set her mind to do. She was an inspiration for her husband and children. She was unfailingly supportive and always in your corner when you needed her. She loved deeply, confidently, and selflessly.
Gloria loved spending her summers at Rockaway Beach with her family. She loved music and especially Neil Diamond, the “hunk” who she would blast on the stereo while cleaning the apartment. She and Paddy traveled when they could, including a wonderful 50th Anniversary trip to Ireland. Gloria sang and danced. She smiled and laughed. She hugged hard and, when needed, she scolded hard. She proudly lived her own way. We will miss her greatly.
Gloria is survived by Paddy, her loving husband of 60+ years, children Gloria and Danny, sister Kathy, and grandchildren Mariah, Thomas, Ella, Owen, and Kallie. Our family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.curealz.org) so that others may benefit from our loss in some small way.
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