Recent Obituaries

On a cold Detroit winter day, in the middle of the Great Depression, Gloria was born to William (Bill) and Mae Allen. Although the effects of the Depression would always color Gloria’s life, the small family was spared the worst of the hardships, with a steady income from Bill’s postal job and a flourishing garden that fed the family year long. As a young child, Gloria contracted polio, sending fears through her parents. Her mother refused to surrender to the disease and in a very forward thinking action, studied and employed the Sister Kenny method, which is known today as physical therapy. Several years of therapy, and leg braces, she was able to take dance classes and live a life of adventure.

As a young woman, Gloria started her career as a ticket agent for a local Detroit airline. This inspired her love of travel that she carried throughout her life, enjoying a long career as a well loved and respected travel agent.

She met the love of her life, Charles, sitting in a window sill, as she was leaving for a trip to Europe. He was still there when she returned. They shared a group of friends that would become family, and their friendship grew into a life long love.

Gloria and Charles were married on a cold, snowy day in November. Charles was shipped out for basic training three days later. He was stationed in Germany and Gloria followed, where their first daughter was born. Gloria returned to Detroit in the spring of the following year, and Charles followed shortly thereafter. In October their second daughter was born.

As tensions in Detroit increased during a period of social upheaval, the young family followed their adventurous spirit and decided to move west. A distant family member secured a house for them and they packed up their life in Detroit and moved to Seattle in 1966.

In 1969 they moved into their long term home in Woodinville and from there memories were carved in the walls of their home, the family grew up, and Gloria traveled the world.

Gloria’s true loves in this world were her family, reading and traveling. She watched her daughters begin their careers, marry and she was blessed with a cherished grandson, Andrew.

Gloria saw, and lived through, so many key moments in time and she carried on with a sense of continued curiosity. Words will never adequately convey the wonderous, loving and amazing person Gloria was to all who knew her. She will be very missed on this earthly plane.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mae Allen, and her husband, Charles. She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Steve) Pollari, Christine (Calvin) Vert, grandsons Andrew (Alicia) Vert, Stephen Pollari and seven great grand children. We love you Momma.