Gloria was born in Norwich on February 18, 1937 to the late Roland and Anna (Jackson) Euell. Gloria married her husband of 65 years Gertha (Buddy) Reeves Jr., on May 5, 1954 and together they raised seven children.
Gloria attended Norwich Free Academy in Norwich. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide for the former Norwich State Hospital where she received certification in the Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing in 1960. She retired from the former Uncas on the Thames State Hospital after 35 years of exemplary service caring for cancer patients with tenderness and great compassion. Fifteen grandchildren and eleven great grand children came along as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. She had love for them all and embraced family time which included her eight brothers and sisters and eight brother and sisters-in-laws. Family holidays, summer back yard barbeques and any celebration involving family was something she relished, often with her infamous Cinderella Cake holding center court.
Gloria loved vacationing, especially with her beloved sisters Audrey and June and daughter-in-law Carmen. She went on several trips and cruises and often went to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod with them and other family members. The UConn Women’s and Men’s basketball games were a passion and a highlight that she looked forward to watching, especially with her special friend (soul sister), Margie Post. She loved keeping her mind active completing the daily Norwich Bulletin crossword puzzle, also with Margie. Gloria greatly enjoyed sharing many laughs with her special friend Rosie Payne. They had a few special pet names for each other, some of which cannot be put into print! Gloria’s smile and one of a kind laugh will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.
Gloria is survived by her husband Gertha (Buddy); children Gary (Christine) Reeves, Ricardo Reeves, Brian Strunk (Barbara’s significant other),Glen (Carmen Sands) Reeves, Lisa (Martin) Ferguson, Lynn Goldstein and Judi (James) Cellucci; siblings Roland (Shirley) Euell Jr., June (Sergio) Latoison and James (Sharli) Euell; grandchildren Brian, Malcolm, Ryan, Jacqueline, Kyle, Marshall, (Ashley’s husband), Brittany (Adam), Jordan, Alex, Joshua, Gabrielle (Stephen), Michael, Brianna, Brielle and Olivia; great-grand babies; Isis, Eric, Delonte, Eric, Michael, Alexi, Aaliyah, Matthew, William, Everly, Isaiah and Ezra who lovingly called her Gigi.
Gloria was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Reeves, granddaughter Ashley Ferguson Jones, daughter-in-law, Linda Ross Reeves (Ricardo’s wife) and son-in-law, Eric Goldstein (Lynn’s husband). In addition, Gloria was predeceased by her sisters Grace Faison, Arlene Dozier, Audrey Fields, and brothers Thomas Euell, Jack Euell and brothers-in-law Thurston Fields, Charles Dozier.
The family wishes to thank and acknowledge Dr. Donna Romito, Gloria’s Respiratory Pulmonologist for the past 21 years whom she loved, respected and trusted tremendously. Thank you Dr. Romito for the care you provided to our beloved Gloria in a very professional, trustworthy, compassionate manner.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Church and Allen Funeral Services, Norwich from 9 to 11AM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Norwich. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com.
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