Gloria F. Young
March 8, 1932 – November 6, 2020
Young, Gloria Frances (Morinelli) died from Covid 19 on November 6, 2020 at Northland Rehabilitation Center in Kansas City, MO. Gloria was born at home to John and Mary Morinelli (Lucchino) on March 8, 1932 under the watchful eye of two attentive Italian grandmothers. Mary, who was born in Italy, gave birth to another daughter, Anna Marie, five years later with the supervision of the same two Italian grandmothers. As the big sister, Gloria spent many years looking after Anna while John and Mary worked. This bond grew strong over many decades as the two leaned on one another through life’s ups and downs. To the end, theirs was a special bond.
Gloria married William Young Jr. “Bill” on May 5, 1956. They had two children, Nancy Louise and John William. Nancy and John were their pride and joy. Gloria was a doting mother sparing no sacrifice to help her children. She was the mother everyone wanted. A mother who made thousands of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for neighborhood kids. And later in life, making her famous lasagna for Nancy and John’s friends. No words can describe the amount of love and kindness she shared with friends and family alike. She had an unlimited well of kindness that she willingly shared with everyone she met. Gloria was 100% Italian, a heritage that made her immensely proud. Friends and family raved about her “sauce” and her children remain committed to passing this tradition on to the next generation.
Gloria was the proud grandmother of Ava Jane Young. In fact, in her last hours on this earth, Gloria’s face and eyes brightened when Ava greeted her. In the end, it was the granddaughter, Ava, who held her grandmother’s hand, caressed her cheek, and reassured her returning the love she had received for 22 years.
Gloria was a woman of faith and remained a committed Catholic to the end.
Gloria was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Morinelli (Lucchino); her father, John Morinelli; her husband, William Young Jr. “Bill”; and her brother-in-law, Gary Walter. She is survived by her sister, Anna Walter (Morinelli); daughter, Nancy Ritter (Young), (Kirk); son, John Young (Julie); her cherished granddaughter, Ava Jane Young; nieces, Ann and Gianna Silvest; and cousins: Phyllis Leonardo, Mary Lalley, and Linda Cumbee.
Due to the ongoing pandemic there will be a private family burial. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers to Little Blue Elementary PTA, 13900 East 61st Street, Kansas City, MO 64133. This is the school where Nancy teaches kindergarten and where additional resources are very much in need.
3 Comments
Nancy, John, and family,
I was so sad to read about your mother’s passing. I’ve thought of her often but didn’t know how to contact her. I had the pleasure of knowing her at Easter Seals and then again when I hired her to work part time at Creighton Prep. She was such a sweet, caring person. I loved her. I feel grateful for all the good times we shared. Lots of laughter and some tears through the stressful times. I will never forget her. I hope she didn’t suffer at the end. I pray that she is at peace and reunited with your father. She loved you all so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to for your loss. Gloria was a great lady. I so enjoyed working with her at Easter Seals. I am sorry we lost touch and have really missed our phone calls as we both adjusted to the loss of our spouses. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest John, Julie, Ava, Nancy, Kirk and Mom: I will be with you all in spirit on Saturday in Omaha. I know that my dear Aunt Gloria is resting in peace with her family in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gianna sends her love as well. God Bless.
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