Gloria E Stickel, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished member of the Boise and Seattle/Queen Anne community, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023 at the age of 80. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family and friends who will forever remember her as a beacon of energy, compassion, love, and empathy.

Gloria was born on July 7, 1942 in the town of Wilmer, Minnesota, to Maleda and Rev. Walter Luttmann. She is the middle child of nine children. She spent her childhood years in Frazee, Minnesota. As a young woman, Gloria embarked on a new chapter of her life when the family moved to Boise, Idaho, where she attended Boise High School, acted in school plays and played French horn in the band (and later for the Boise Philharmonic). She then attended Boise State University and achieved a college degree in teaching. Her life in Boise helped shape her worldview, fostering creativity and a love of nature, progressive politics, art, and music that would remain with her throughout her life.

Gloria found love with Dale F Stickel, and they were married in 1962. Together, they raised two children, Sheila and Karl, in Boise where they instilled values of love and compassion, as well as laughter and play. In the 1980s and 90s, Gloria was a master of the side hustle, having several professions, but most will remember her as a teacher and painter. She loved to play tennis, enjoy good wine, and spend time with friends. Gloria hosted fantastic 4th of July parties as well as a famous Christmas Eve party in Boise for family and friends every year. Although, she could never fully enjoy the Swedish Glögg, because she sang in the St. Michael Episcopal Church choir for midnight mass the same day, which was also a great pleasure for her.

After spending a year in Portland with sisters, brothers, and good friends, Gloria moved up to Seattle, Washington in 2004 to be close to her son, daughter and newly born grandson. She embraced the vibrant city with enthusiasm, volunteering at the Seattle Repertory Theater, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and John Hay Elementary, where she enjoyed serving lunch to kids for ten years. Sneaking extra food to kids who asked was especially pleasurable for Gloria.

Gloria's grandchildren (Henry, Kate and Lily) were the light of her life, and she took great pride in encouragement, teaching them life's values, challenging them, and providing each with a strong foundation for their own paths. She traveled with family inside and outside the US, on (Sheila’s) work trips and some wonderful vacations to see Europe, Scandinavia, Costa Rica, and Cuba.

Gloria had an innate ability to make others feel seen, heard, and loved. One favorite thing was to hand out a couple of dollar bills, with a handwritten note to the homeless that said, “you are loved.” Her sense of humor brightened the lives of those fortunate enough to know her and the fact that she tried to rap what she was thankful for at Thanksgiving is now the stuff of legend.

Beyond her dedication to family and community, Gloria had a zest for life that was truly infectious. She had an adventurous spirit and loved exploring the world around her. Whether it was embarking on a spontaneous road trip, reveling in the beauty of nature, or savoring the simple joys of everyday life, Gloria found happiness in the smallest of moments. She loved the mountains and breathing in the fresh air, she loved planting tomatoes and caring for them all summer long, and enjoyed short walks around Queen Anne appreciating the neighborhood flowers and trees.

Gloria E Stickel will forever be remembered for her eccentric personality, selflessness, and her spirit of giving. She was also a good cook and baker, but never really made the same thing twice. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity that will continue to touch the lives of those she has left behind. She is preceded in death by her former husband, Dale, and sisters Joanne, Elizabeth, and Lois. She is survived by daughter, Sheila Stickel and her children Henry and Kate. Son, Karl Stickel, daughter-in-law, Gabriela, and granddaughter Lily. Sister Rose Blondell and brothers, James, Eugene, John, and Charles Luttmann.

A celebration of Gloria's life will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2PM at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington

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