Gloria Ann Scherma

Gloria A. Scherma passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 25th surrounded by family and friends whom she loved and cherished.

And though we are all deeply saddened by her passing, knowing we will never hear her insightful, beautiful voice again, or see that look in her eyes, that somehow spoke only to you, we all know how fortunate we were to have her in our lives for as long as we did.

Born to Mary and Joseph Lingua, Gloria was a 2nd generation Italian American, who grew up in Brooklyn, NY alongside her younger brother John.

At age 18 she met Ted Scherma, the love of her life, and 3 years later, they were married.

For over 43 years, (until Ted passed away), they created a uniquely beautiful partnership.

Together they raised 4 children - Frank, Douglas, Thomas and Krystyne, and built a life in Brooklyn filled with pool parties and BBQ's, morning coffee and Sunday pasta, holidays and every day, busy with neighbors dropping by and friends popping in, and family, always family.

Everyone was always welcome at Ted and Gloria's house on West 3rd street.

And everyone always came by.

When Gloria was in her 40's, she went back to school, earning her master's degree in Gerontology from the New School in Manhattan. And from there she built a long successful career working at various health institutions throughout the city, before beginning her own practice which she continued right up until May of this very year.

She loved her work and was very proud of this next stage of her life. Always industrious, never one to sit still, Gloria thrived in her career, helping others find their way when the complexities of life and aging needed a helping hand.

For Gloria, life was always interesting, and she never stopped being curious about it.

A spiritual woman, who loved to read since she was a little girl with a flashlight illuminating books under her covers, Gloria was the epitome of a seeker who was always beginning some new adventure that captured her mind - from Gerontology - to Insurance - to Raw Food Chef - to Spiritual Teacher, Gloria was never one to shy away from something new, if there was learning to be had.

But of all her accomplishments, of all the roads she traveled, and all the things she'd learned, if you asked her what her greatest joy and purpose in life was- she would have said one thing without missing a beat- to be a mom, to be a grandmother, and to be a great-grandmother.

"From the moment I was pregnant, I was never sick, felt great, and was filled with enormous joy at knowing one of you was going to be born and that I would be able to experience the joy of having you. From the second I saw you, what beautiful babies I thought each of you to be."

And - "The most important thing I want you to remember and pass on to your children is I have always loved you unconditionally"

And she did.

In addition to her 4 children, Gloria is survived by her loving brother in law Robert Scherma, whom she has known and loved since he was 8 and she 18, her cousin Rob DeCroce, her 8 amazing Grandchildren whom she adored, loved, and took such great pride in- Kristoff, Raymond, Nicholas, Alec, Jenna, Grayson, Gianna and Lucca, her 3 great grandchildren, Thomlin, Honoria, and Ivy, her daughters in law - Matilda and Cari, her favorite son in law - Joel, her ex-daughter in law - Michelle, and her many lovely friends, especially Maria, Deb, Arlene, Sheila, Marjorie, Janet, Vicki, Loretta, Ken, Julie, and Fernando.

Gloria touched so many people with her perceptive intelligence, her loving joy, and her endless spirit for life.

She was a force unlike any other.

And to not have her on this planet any longer, is the definition of sadness.

But that will not be how we remember her.

Because to remember Gloria, is to celebrate life, and to honor each, and every day you are alive with your presence, with your curiosity, and with your capacity to love with all your heart.

And so, in honor of her, we will celebrate her life, her teachings, and her beautiful spirit from today onward.

May we do her proud.