Gloria Zillig

Gloria Zillig caught her ride out of here on June 3, 2024 with her daughter Jane and son-in-law Paul at her side.   At 98, mom kept saying she had a great life but it was time to move on.

Mom was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Matt and Jeannette Skubal.  She was joined later by her brother Bobby, who passed away too young at the age of 18.   Mom talked of riding a train to high school where she met her future husband Quentin.    In her late teens, Mom got a job she loved as a copy girl with the Milwaukee Journal as many men who worked there were fighting in World War II.  

She married Quentin in 1948 and a year later welcomed their first child, Matthew.  In the next 7 years, Gloria and Quentin’s family grew to include daughters Annie and Jane.

Mom went back to school to get her teaching degree at Marquette University.  She said she was the oldest student there but appreciated how encouraging the Jesuits were.  She went on to teach at Dover Street school and was a union steward, proudly organizing a strike for better wages and conditions for teachers.  She was still in touch with co-workers at the time of her passing.

Once retired, mom and dad traveled the world, including trips to China, Russia, Europe, Central America, Mexico, Alaska, Canada and all through the U.S.  She volunteered at the Wehr Nature Center where she identified and cataloged native plants. She also volunteered for many civic events along with Dad.  Mom and Dad enjoyed taking Elderhostel trips as they got older, appreciating the educational aspect of the tours.  Mom continued these adventures with her best friend Ruthie after Dad passed in 2006.

At 85, Mom moved to the Northwest to be near Jane and Paul.  It was a brave move for someone who lived in Milwaukee her whole life.  While it was an adjustment for her, she came to embrace the beauty of the area, made new friends and renewed her love of mussels!

Mom loved to laugh and filled the room with her energy and interest in people.  She was always asking others about themselves, rarely talking about herself.  Despite dealing with post-polio syndrome her whole adult life, she never complained and joked about how she “failed” the Arthur Murray dance classes due to her bum leg and how her weaker left side gave her a good excuse not to cook much or sew.  She loved her pet birds, allowing them to fly around the house and teaching them words.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents and brother, husband Quentin, son Matt, daughter Annie and many friends and relatives.  She is survived by daughter Jane Zillig, son-in-law Paul Ingalls and daughter-in-law Marisue Zillig.  The family thanks Barb Christensen for her friendship and help she gave mom and also thanks Hospice of the NW.  There will be a celebration of Gloria’s life at Chandler’s Square on Wednesday, July 31 at 3 p.m.   Your memories of Mom can be shared on the Hawthorne Funeral Home website. The family asks that in memory of mom, take a moment to share a laugh, smile at a stranger and show kindness and compassion to those who walk a harder path.