Gloria A. Swanson

Gloria Ann Swanson (Yonker) went to Heaven on January 11, 2022.

Gloria was born in Bradford, PA, on March 13, 1930, to Vern and Anna Yonker. Gloria and her twin sister, Gladys Mary, were next to the youngest in a loving family of 10 children. Her sister, Gladys (affectionately known as Nin) passed in 1991 from cancer.  Gloria is survived by her youngest sister, Loretta.

In 1948, Gloria graduated from Bradford Senior High School, where she had met her future husband, Calvin Eugene Swanson, and declared, “this is the man I’m going to marry.”  Married on June 9, 1951, Gloria and Calvin raised seven children: Susan Lohman (Jim); Kevin Swanson; Kimball Swanson; Roxanne Johnson; Kerry Brownlowe (Jimmy); Kelly Swanson; and Jayne Cassella (deceased) (Jim).  Gloria was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In 1962 Gloria and Calvin moved to Walkersville, MD, and in 1965 to Bowie, MD.  Gloria lived in Bowie from 1965 to her death. Gloria took great pride in being a homemaker and a loving wife and mother. In 2007, her beloved husband died from complications from Alzheimer’s.  Sadly, shortly after, Gloria also began exhibiting symptoms of dementia.

Gloria was very proud of her family and was an integral partner in childcare for all her grandchildren.  She enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing cards – especially solitaire – and attending simulcasts of the opera at the local movie theatre with friends.  Her children were surprised to learn that Gloria had aspired to be an opera singer when she was a young woman and she fondly reminisced about her ability to hit the “C above high C” when singing in the church choir.

Gloria’s beautiful smile, charming personality and healthy sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to Ovalstone Comfort Home in Bowie and Promedica Hospice (formerly Heartland Hospice).