Gloria Rita LaFranchi

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Victor in 2002, and brothers, Larry and Ronnie.

She was born Gloria Rita Leingang in Seattle on May 6, 1933 to Joe and Peggy Leingang.

A lifelong Catholic, mom attended Immaculate & St. Edward schools and graduated from Holy Names Academy.

She met her husband, Victor while riding the bus to school. She was attending Holy Names at the time and he was attending Seattle College, (now Seattle University). They married in 1953 after dad returned home from the Korean War.

They settled and raised their family in Renton but also spent many weekends and vacations with family and friends at their home and “happy place,” Birch Bay.

Faith and family were most important to Mom. She was a member of St Anthony parish for almost 70 years.

After dad retired they attended daily mass and spent many hours involved in the church community including years of activities with the Knights of Columbus.

She was also vice president of the altar society, both mom and dad were Eucharistic ministers who visited and took communion to the sick, they were also members of the Saint Vincent de Paul society where they delivered food and furniture to the poor. She was on the funeral reception committee for years and was the president of the Visitation Monastery.

She was a co-chair of the Antonians and a Legion of Mary member. Also, for over 20 years she led the cynical rosary each month and volunteered many hours at St Anthony School and Kennedy Catholic High School.

Mom and Dad enjoyed a wonderful life together, full of family and friends. They traveled the world but loved being home with family the most.

Mom always opened up her home to others, if her children or grandchildren had a friend with no place to go on a holiday, they were always welcome at mom’s house. Having 35 for a prime rib dinner or holiday brunch was the norm for Mom.

She also loved entertaining guests at Birch Bay, enjoying walks, bonfires and sunsets on the beach.

She and dad were Husky football season ticket holders for years and she was a huge fan of Gonzaga basketball and Notre Dame football but cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events brought her the most joy.

Mom would talk about her lunch and dinner dates with her children and grandchildren for days after and always asked, “what’s new sweetie?”

Thank you, Mom, for loving us unconditionally, giving us all so much love and support throughout our lives. Thank you for loving our spouses and adoring our children and grandchildren. We are so grateful for having you as our Mom, Grandma and GG.

Each of us are filled with a deep gratitude for having wonderful parents who taught us our faith and gave us a loving, warm and stable childhood. You were always there for us.

We all miss you terribly but know that your suffering is now over and you are resting in heavenly peace with dad by your side.

Gloria leaves behind 5 grateful children; Joe (Julie), David (Barbara), Pat (Kelli), Teresa (Martin) Susie (Otto), 13 grandchildren; Mark, Cassie, Bryan, Jenna, Philip, Kevin, Kurt, Taylor, Candace, Alex, Alyssa, Victor, Ramsay and 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Carol Clemenson, sister in law Florina Minalia, best friend Shirley Lattanzio and 16 nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Saturday November 27, 2021 Noon to 3:00, rosary starts at 3:00pm at Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is Monday November 29th at 10:30am at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Renton. A luncheon will follow at Marianna Ristorante 310 Wells Avenue South, Renton. RSVP for lunch to [email protected]

Burial is Tuesday November 30th at 10:00am at Greenwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Anthony Parish.