Gloria A. Hallenbeck

1952 - 2013

Gloria A. (Mellon) Hallenbeck, born January 27, 1952, was gathered into the loving arms of our merciful God on November 15, 2013 leaving this world in the same manner in which she lived: with grace, dignity, and the Peace of God in her heart. Bunny, as she was affectionately known to all, was born in Englewood, NJ. She enjoyed life from the second grade onward in West Hartford where, in 1972, God introduced her to her best friend, husband and soul mate of 41 years, Dana Lee Hallenbeck. Her love, courage, and benevolence lives on in the hearts of her four beloved children: Elizabeth Taylor (her husband Thomas), Brent L. Hallenbeck (his wife Melissa), Melissa Augusto (her husband Helvidio), and Brock Hallenbeck; and her 6 cherished grandchildren: Quillian, Selkie, Emrys Taylor and Wyatt, Callie, and Zander Augusto. Predeceased by her father, Vincent Mellon, Jr, her memory will live on in her mother, Gloria Mellon; her brothers, Vincent Mellon III and Richard Mellon and her sister, Cynthia Mellon as well as a large and loving extended family. Bunny's life was filled with love and joy, and guided by faith as she served Bethany Lutheran Church of West Hartford both as church secretary for 18 years as well as a parishioner for over 30 years before joining Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manchester in 2009, where her husband Dana was called to serve as Pastor. She also faithfully served both Bethany and Westminster Presbyterian Church as book-keeper for nearly two decades. The things she cherished most in her life were time spent with her family, both at home and on camping trips, puttering in the garden, and listening to her beloved music. Faith, family and friends played a fundamental role in her life. Ever sacrificing her own needs, Bunny flawlessly filled the roles of devoted wife, doting mother and beloved friend. A Christian in the truest sense, she lived to serve others. Her innumerable selfless acts of love and devotion will forever be remembered by those she touched with her kindness, her beautiful and contagious smile, and her laughter. "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." Calling hours will be held at Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be conducted at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1655 Boulevard, West Hartford on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 120 Cooper St., Manchester, CT 06040. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.