Gizella D. Gregoire

Gizella D. Gregoire, née Robinson, age 69, passed away Thursday, the 4th of December, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Giz was born on December 3, 1956, in Cleveland, to Robert and Gizella (née Hartman) Robinson. She was raised at West 52nd and Lorain in an urban, ethnic, working-class neighborhood that shaped her classic "West Side" roots-an identity older Clevelanders still cherish. Just down the block from her home was Schulte's, where she held fond memories of getting live chickens with her grandmother and mother.
Growing up, Giz attended Saint Stephen's grade school and spent one year at Lourdes-Saint Stephen's High School, before a school merger that brought her to West Tech High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from West Tech with the Class of 1974.
She began her career in the legal field as a secretary to Cleveland attorney Charles E. Mosley, Jr. In the early 1980s, she joined the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), where she served as Legal Secretary to the General Counsel. She continued to excel in her career and was eventually promoted to Office Manager of the Legal Affairs Division at GCRTA. Giz retired in 2020 after more than 40 years of dedicated service in both the private and public sectors, including 38 years with GCRTA.

Alongside her successful career, Giz was a single mom and the primary caregiver to her ailing mother for nearly 25 years. Giz devoted her life to her son, Danny, while working tirelessly to ensure his success in every way. Her son's education was of the utmost importance and she made many sacrifices to ensure that he would have the very best Catholic education. She handled all tuition expenses as he attended Saint Angela Merici School, Saint Ignatius High School, and The University of Toledo. Her many sacrifices ensured that he would never incur any debt for an education.

Always ready with a helping hand, Giz was a devoted member of the Fairview Park Senior Center, where she enjoyed several workout classes and generously volunteered for a variety of programs.

A true animal lover, her "best friend" was an American Bulldog and Akita mix named Colt, who provided daily happiness and companionship, particularly in Giz's retirement years.

When Dan met and married Tonia, Giz finally gained a daughter. Soon after, she was blessed with a granddaughter, Amelia, who instantly became her greatest joy.

Giz is survived by her beloved son Daniel Gregoire, II (Tonia) of Olmsted Falls, treasured granddaughter Amelia Mae, brothers Lou (Holly) Orban, and Gary Soboslay (late soulmate, Peggy Hoffman). She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved Colt.
Celebration of Life to follow in January. Date, time, and location to be determined soon.