Ishpeming, MI- Gloria Catherine (Torreano) Gagliardi, age 95 of Ishpeming entered eternal life on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, staff at MCMCF and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Gloria was born January 10, 1927, to Joseph A. and Catherine (Jedda) Torreano in Negaunee MI. She graduated from St Paul's Catholic school. Her father owned an Italian bakery in the early nineteen hundreds, together making deliveries of his bread and pastries by horse and buggy.

After marrying Joseph Gagliardi in 1947 she became an Ishpeming resident. A Hematite as well. They had five children: Teresa, Patricia, Christine, Margaret, and Joseph.

After raising her family, Gloria worked part time at Gateley's in the women's department. She later became an employee of Bell Memorial Hospital.

Gloria was an avid baker herself known for her delicious, mouthwatering "apple slices" and carrot bars. She loved reading and sharing her recipes with annual contributions to "Friends of the Library" cookbook. After her cake decorating classes, her grandchildren fondly remember their "special" birthday cakes.

Gloria was a devout member of St John's Catholic Church where she volunteered with funerals and other special events. She enjoyed her daily coffee clutching with friends and Sunday morning ritual with at "Buck's. Being an avid Hematite fan, she attended sporting events frequently. She also was a member of the Bell Memorial auxiliary volunteering her time freely.

Gloria loved visiting her brother and sister in AZ and CA and later her son and daughters, making annual visits. After her daughter Chris moved to AZ, she was able to enjoy spending her winters in both CA and AZ. During a visit to CA, she had the opportunity at Burbank Studios to sit in on the taping of the Tonight Show. She was filmed shaking hands with the host Jay Leno which later aired on National TV. On another visit she met the celebrity chef Giada for a book signing. The inscription she wrote in Gloria's copy read "from one Italian cook to another!." She also accompanied her daughter Pat to the Netherlands visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as taking in the sights. In addition, she travelled abroad with the U. of M. alumni exploring Italy with her daughter Margaret.

Gloria is survived by four daughters; Teresa Beard, ( Negaunee MI) Pat and  (Jim) Blewett, ( Ishpeming) Christine Blank ( Florence AZ), Margaret Mahoney ( Costa Mesa , CA ) and Joe  Gagliardi, ( Corona, CA ), ten grandchildren; Jason Beard, Kelly Beard, Dana (Tim) Hares, Debbie (Jason) Nurmi, Traci (Jeff) Kerneklian, Jeff Griffiths, Jasmine Gagliardi, Joseph (Montserrat) Gagliardi, Mariah Gagliardi, Linsey Gagliardi, seven great grandchildren; Lucy Beard, Bella Ruesing, Hayden Hares, Ava Hares, Allie Kerneklian, Will Kerneklian, Kushner Cadenas, several nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Catherine Torreano, husband Joseph Gagliardi ,brother & sister-in-law Paul & Marian Torreano, sister Patricia Rawls,  and son-in-law Tom Blank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 4:00 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. Christian Flagstadt officiating. A visitation will begin at 3:00 pm followed by Mass and dinner to follow at the K/D Hall.

The Mass will be livestreamed which can be found at ishpemingcatholic.com/live.

Gloria's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.