Gloria J. Grabenstein

Gloria Jean (Coccia) Grabenstein, of Frederick, Md., passed away Feb. 19, 2023, at Kline Hospice House, losing her battle with cancer at the age of 77.

She was a daughter of the late Dominick Coccia and Stella (Traini) Coccia, of Palo Alto, Pa.

Gloria was the youngest of five siblings, Lillian Drayer, Louis Traini (deceased), Baldien Traini Rossi (deceased) and John Traini.

She was predeceased by brother-in-law, Dean Drayer, and is survived by sisters-in-law, Angela and Marilyn. Gloria was also predeceased by her mother's siblings, beloved aunts, Francine and Josephine, and uncles, Anthony and Louis.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 42 years, Alexander M. Grabenstein; their daughters, Stella Horner (Michael) and Lucy Hoke (Daniel); and four grandchildren, Shafer and Alexandrine Horner, Sebastian and Henry Louis Hoke. She is survived by aunt, Gloria Deramo (Louis). She is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Margaret Grabenstein and Christopher and Lucia Kline; as well as several scores of nieces, nephews and cousins, spanning three generations of two families.

Gloria's life was one of faith, family and friends, all of which she was blessed with in abundance. She used all to nourish each. She lived her life on Earth as a truly Catholic Christian. Her unseen crosses were heavy but her protestations few.

She was not a prude, and her standards were respected even by those unable to abide by them. Her sincerity was unquestionable.

Born and baptized in the summer of 1945, she attended St. Stephen Elementary and graduated from Nativity BVM High School in nearby Pottsville.

Gloria then obtained her nursing certificate from Fountain Springs Nursing School (Ashland Miners Hospital). Following that, Gloria entered the Order of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed. Her seven years as Sister Dominick were devoted to ministry of health care for the elderly residents of Carmelite nursing homes in the northeast United States.

In 1971, Gloria separated from the order and pursued a career in medical research at Hershey Medical Center. She subsequently returned to school in Baltimore, where she graduated as one of the first certified geriatric nurse practitioners in the country. Gloria worked for Mercy Hospital until retirement in 1985.

Throughout the ensuing years, Gloria was active as mother to her daughters, as well as becoming an avid golfer. She relished the competition and camaraderie. She played in various leagues as well as with favorite players - including senior gentlemen, who enjoyed her company and golf prowess. And always in her life, being sharply dressed for the event was as important as playing well.

The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff of the Kline House for their loving care of our dear Gloria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at St. Peter's Catholic Church of Libertytown, which is one block north of the intersection of Routes 26 and 75. The celebrants will be Monsignor John Dietzenbach and the Rev. Father Gene Nichol. Interment will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, where a Christian wake service will be conducted by Deacon John Martin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Libertytown, 11802 Liberty Road, Frederick, Md. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Church, 9190 Church St., Union Bridge, MD 21791, or to the charity of your choice. Messages or memories may be placed on her "tribute wall" at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com.