Gloria Colette Schmitz's Obituary
Gloria passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, May 6, 2018 after a courageous battle with a prolonged illness. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family dearly. Gloria was born on April 8, 1936 in Liverpool, England and was raised there with her two brothers. She often told stories of what it was like being a kid during WWII – the nights in air raid shelters and playing in the ruins of bombed-out buildings. In 1952 she met her love, Eugene, who was in England serving in the USAF. They were married in 1955 and soon after, as a young military bride, she bravely left her beloved family and Liverpool to accompany her husband as they were stationed at different bases across the US and Britain. Finally settling in Lakewood, WA in 1974, together they raised four beautiful daughters, who gave them seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. Gloria was a very talented florist for Crane's Creations for many years. She loved her job and having "a laugh" with her friends at work. She loved listening to oldies music, growing flowers and making beautiful floral arrangements for family and friends. Some of her favorite things to do were traveling around the Northwest, especially trips to Pacific Beach and Cannon Beach, camping at Lake Chelan and summers in Sun River, though Liverpool was never far from her heart and she returned "home" as often as she could. Gloria was a kind and compassionate person with a soft spot for animals, taking in many strays throughout her life. Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Eugene, daughters Gail (Jeff), Karen, Kelly, and Paula, grandchildren Cori (John), Patrick (Laura), Emily, Matthew (Paula), Michael, Cady (Sammie), Collin, two great-grandchildren Jaxson and Jase, dear family friend Mike, her brother Derek (Betty) in Liverpool and many nieces and nephews. Words cannot express how much we will miss her.
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