Gloria Shlaes

Gloria Shlaes (née Galluzzo), age 85, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026 surrounded by loving family. Born in Chicago on January 30, 1940, she lived a life marked by devotion to her loved ones, generosity of spirit, and a deep appreciation for family and celebration. As beautiful as she was physically, her family and friends knew she was even more beautiful on the inside.

Gloria began her education at Immaculate Conception Grade School and graduated from St. Michael's High School in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. These early years in a close-knit Italian community helped shape the values she carried throughout her life.

She married her beloved husband, George Shlaes, in 1973 and described him as 'the sunshine of her life.' Gloria played a vital role in Chicago's restaurant and nightclub scene. While George and his partners were the public face, Gloria managed operations behind the scenes, ensuring their establishments thrived through her dedication and organizational skill. Faces on Rush Street was well-known and the work friendships she made there have stood the test of time.

Later, Gloria brought her warmth and professionalism to public service, working in the Secretary of State's office for the State of Illinois, where she formed lasting friendships with a new group of co-workers that became more than just colleagues.

Gloria was admired for her hosting abilities. Her homes on Cedar Street and Sheridan Road were the epicenter of family holiday gatherings -- from an annual St. Joseph's table to an epic Christmas Eve party that is fondly remembered every year. Gloria enjoyed re-creating the recipes and hospitality that she learned from her beloved mother, Mary. Her generosity was legendary and everyone was welcome to bring friends from all over the country to enjoy the festivities and be part of 'la famiglia.' Her rooftop pool posse friends from the Sheridan Road era were among her favorites in a lifetime filled with meaningful friendships.

Gloria found joy in creating unforgettable experiences for those around her -- whether securing tickets to concerts by Michael Jackson or Frank Sinatra, planning family trips to Acapulco, or treating loved ones to prime seats at Wrigley Field. She delighted in sharing happiness through thoughtful gestures and grand surprises.

She is survived by her children Kenn (William Caplan) Shlaes, Ilise Katz and Mitchell (Nancy) Shlaes; her grandchildren, Jodi (Elliott) Satin, Yochanan/Jared (Chana Rachel) Katz, Kim (Josh) Miller, Rachel (Devin) Misour and Laina (Luke) Rogers; and her great-grandchildren Noah, Amanda and Eric Satin, Yakov Meir, Shaina and Shoshana Katz, Greyson and Noa Misour, Maddie Miller and Lukey Rogers.

She also leaves behind her sister Carlotta (Wayne) Daniel; her nieces Maribeth (Brian) Mordini, Kathryn (the late Stefano) Alvera, Laurie (Devin) Heinz, Jamie (Tim) Phillips, Stephanie (Marvin) Pierre-Louis and Chrissy (John) Lojas; and her great-nieces and nephews Abby Heinz, Lucas and Samantha Phillips and Marc and Max Pierre-Louis.

Gloria was preceded in death by her soulmate George; her beloved parents Sam and Mary Galluzzo; her cherished sister Barbara and brother-in-law Jim Sullivan, her treasured uncle and aunt George and Florence Rini and her dear nephew Matthew Daniel.

A funeral mass will be held in her honor on Friday, February 20th at Assumption Catholic Church, 323 W. Illinois Street. Visitation at 9:00 am, mass at 10:00 am. A celebration of her life reception will be held afterward, with details shared at the mass.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.