God's promise for everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven was granted to Gloria G. Franco on August 25, 2016. Gloria was born to Arthur and Jean Busch Gunderson in Yonkers, NY on April 4, 1924. Gloria lived a life of service to God, her family, her friends and her Country. Gloria graduated from Nyack High School, and in December 1944 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. She completed boot camp at Camp Lejeune, NC and was then stationed in Parris Island, SC where she achieved the rank of Corporal prior to her discharge. A lifelong parishioner of St. Ann's in Nyack, Gloria was an active servant of God. Gloria was a member of the League of the Sacred Heart and the Rosary Society. At St. Ann's school, Gloria volunteered her time on the playground; in the lunch room and at bingo. She also provided transportation to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Gloria was also a Girl Scout leader for 27 years, mentoring young girls in doing good for others. For 25 years, Gloria was a volunteer at Camp Marydell in Upper Nyack working with the Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine. Throughout her lifetime, Gloria continued to serve as a member of the Women's Marine Corps Association as well as the NY 2 Chapter where she served as Secretary and President. She is a lifetime member and past Commander of the American Legion Post 310, Nyack, NY; a lifetime member of the Rockland County Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League.
Gloria's ultimate dedication was to children. She raised seven of her own children and was blessed with ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was also a nanny to several other families throughout her lifetime. In support of her love for children, she enriched many lives through the March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald House and Toys for Tots.
Gloria is survived by her husband of 69 years, Frank, and their children: Peter (Eileen); Gloria (Charlie Tague); Joseph; Regina (Thomas Ryan); Daria (Carl Becker); grandchildren: Heather (Jim Kaste); Diane (Peter Rovida); Michael, David and Matthew Vericker; Genevieve; Gabrielle (Sgt. Raymond Nichols) and Felicia Ryan; great grandchildren: Michael and Brenna Rovida and James and Jack Kaste. Gloria was welcomed into Heaven by daughters Christine Vericker and Susan Franco; grandchildren Dennis and Susan Vericker and her brother, Bubby.
Viewing will be held at Hanneman Funeral Home, Nyack, NY on Monday, August 29, 2016 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. At 7:30 pm, American Legion Post 310 will conduct a service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann,s Church on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 11 am followed by interment with military honors at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nyack, NY. In dedication to Gloria's commitment to volunteering and service, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria's name be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172-1776 or www.toysfortots.org