I only got to know Gloria for 11 years, during that time we shared so many beautiful moments. Working by her side allowed me to learn so much from her. She will be remembered for her happiness and good heart. My condolence to all her family, RIP Gloria.

Gina 

Gloria will always be more than my first cousin, once removed. She was a member of the trio of women who raised me. Together with Row and my mother, Gloria carved a path for us daughters lead with love, compassion, great music, and wild stories. 

It's no surprise that we're all in harmony about how generous she was - always organizing, always fixing - to make the lives of those around her easier. I feel blessed to  be one of the many touched by her love. 

Gloria - thank you for being a constant in my life. Your memory will live on in all of us. 

I am blessed to be among many loved and cared for by Gloria, my beloved Aunt and Godmother.

From my Mom I learned that Gloria first came into my life in my earliest days when she traveled to Nova Scotia to take me into her arms. And that is where I have remained, held gently and supported by her kind and too generous heart. And now embraced and enveloped in her loving spirit.

Thank you Gloria, especially for opening up your heart and more to my Jamie, we love and miss you so much...

Dear Gloria,

I can’t begin to thank you for everything you, Rosemary and Ornella did for me as a teenager. Thank you for believing I was “good” when everyone around me was telling me the opposite, and thank you for letting me know there was always a safe place when I needed it most. You taught me and gave me so much and I will never forget you.

All my love to you, Ornella, Rosemary, and all of those around you suffering this tremendous loss. 

Donation to VCU Thomas Palliative Care Unit, September 2022

As some of you may already know, while Gloria was still alive, I drafted a thank-you to the Palliative Care team to recognize their extraordinary effort on behalf of Gloria, as well as towards the family and friends in attendance. With Michael’s editing and Tony’s review, it nominated Gloria’s team for a hospital sponsored recognition called the Tulip Award. I have received acknowledgement the nomination is under review and a reminder that donations to the North 4 Thomas Palliative Care unit at VCU Medical are welcome to continue and pay forward the non-medical support they gave us so generously: water, snacks, meals and so forth.

Anyone interested in donating can contact the e-mail address I cc’d in this message; Amy can provide exact details about contributions in Gloria’s name and guide you through the entire process. If you are comfortable to share your actions in this regard, please post it on the Bongo Box.

For myself it was shocking to experience Gloria’s loss, but empowering to experience the love and energy of the remarkable Bongiovanni clan and the rest of the people Gloria drew into her orb, including her incredible Palliative support team…

Cc: amy.owens @vcuhealth.org

Remembrance of and Thanks to Gloria

I was a 20 something newbie visitor to the “Big House” in Rocky Point, early in my courtship of Feeny, when I met Gloria and Ritchie for the first time. I have never since encountered people of such passion, energy and imagination.

As Feeny and I deepened our relationship, we soon joined Gloria and Richie in a plan to leave Richard Nixon’s America for a life in Canada. While they left before we were ready on their great school bus adventure, we stayed in touch, and after we immigrated to Canada and our daughter Erin was born, Gloria was a regular contact, confidante, and supporter. She visited when she could. When Erin was christened, Gloria became her Godmother.

She arranged a trip for Erin’s 6th birthday to Orlando, attended Erin’s High School graduation with Row and Ornella, and always maintained regular ‘phone contact with Feeny.

Afterwards, Gloria helped Erin and Feeny to visit Gloria, Row, and Ornella in New York for pre- Christmas festivities in the Big City. When Gloria and Roe moved to Holly House, she invited us into the amazing Onancock Thanksgiving tradition, arranged transport so Erin and eventually her new husband Jamie, could attend and still get back to work without penalty.

Finally, Gloria organized Erin’s Wedding Reception after her marriage to Jamie as a way to save all our American friends and family the time, trouble and expense of a trip to Canada to celebrate. Thank you again Gloria!!

In short, for more than five decades Gloria was our steadfast companion, always supportive and generous, always displaying love and concern both for her family and the broad scope of her other friends. She accumulated a wealth of street smarts and knowledge, stayed up with technology, and mastered anything in her orbit with wit, humour, compassion and generosity. Towards the end of her life, I will always remember her as the very picture of a Major General, sitting in her chair, laptop in hand, the woman in charge. She was truly one-of-a-kind.

Gloria has found herself back in Richie’s arms, and I will miss her terribly.

Mike O’Prey

Gloria's love has been a touchstone of my life. Her love was a haven and a light. Her love was a gift for me, a mother's love with none of the baggage. The warmth of that love covered my husband and sons, and our lives will always be missing her smile, her laugh, her caring - which was always there to get us out of a jam, help us find our way home, and make our world bigger. I will always be grateful to her for the gift of family, Gloria as family, Rosemary, Ornella, and Alex as family, and Gloria's family and so many friends as our extended family.  Thank you Glor, I will miss you to the end of my days. 

With love always, Livea

Rest in peace Gloria. I remember the days when we were next door neighbors in Rocky Point. You were always there for the younger kids.  You will be greatly missed by your family.  Say hello to Aunt Virginia and Uncle Joe. I am sure they are greeting you with open arms. 

Our world is irrevocably altered in time and space, distorted, no Gloria.

No wishful thinking will bring her back. The family quilt has a big hole in it.

All we can do is pull together in our love for Gloria. She was a master

planner, organizer, dog lover, Yankees fan, old classic movie buff and a

wicked charades player. She has been a mainstay in my life for 30+ years.

Lots of laughs, good food, fun, dance parties and late night conversations.

Her generosity and open heart have been paramount in my life. Like I told

her, wherever you are I will find you. Until then we will link arms and go

forward. Thank you Gloria. Rest in peace.