Gloria Powers

Age 92 of South St. Paul
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11, 2024. Preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, George; parents, Mathew and Anna Kustritz; and 2 elder siblings, Dorothy Moser and Donald. She is survived by children Susan (Greg) Zweber; Mike; Mary Jo (David) Schrader; and James (Geri); grandchildren Jennifer, Lottie, Emily, Lindsay, Rachel; Seth, Brianna, Allison; Heather; great-grandchildren Willie, Greta; Maggie, Lily, Renae; Mallory, Roman, Mayzie; Annelise, Bennett; Eleanora, Lainey; Evelyn; one great-great-grandchild due in July; and sister-in-law, Claire Kustritz.
Gloria was an admirable, remarkable, multi-talented, and loving person to so many. As a child, it became evident that Gloria had a unique talent for hand-sketching, especially people's faces. In her high school years, Gloria was active in a myriad of activities ranging from the a cappella choir and glee club to all-star soccer, bowling, and girls' athletic association, as well as being on staff for the Hi Times student newspaper and assistant editor of her senior yearbook. A proud member of the class of 1950, she had even served as secretary for her class's senior council and was voted the girl with the most "ideal eyes" among her classmates. Long after high school, Gloria continued to coordinate gatherings with her remaining classmates.
When she was just a senior in high school, George proposed to Gloria, and she set her sights on being "a good wife to George." And that she was. They married a mere six months after she graduated in 1950 and remained inseparable until George was called Home in 2021. Gloria was devoted to making a home and life for them to share.
Less than a year after they married, they started their family. In addition to being wife and mom, she kept busy with small sewing tasks, creative household projects, and making sure a homecooked meal was always on the table. She did all the little things that would escape most people. Taking care of everyone was always top priority for Gloria, and for decades, she was a steadfast supporter of George while he spent many days coaching hockey and attending games.
After raising their own children, in 1985, she was inspired by their daughter Sue to take in their first of 87 foster babies, a passion Gloria and George shared together until 2002. They regarded each one of these babies as their own and gave so much love and attention to them, regardless of whether they had them for a week or many months.
Gloria once explained that these often-high-risk babies need extra love. "We give them at least 100 hugs and kisses a day. They know they're loved."
She also sketched the sweet baby faces of many of the fosters she cared for.
Following their foster care tenure, Gloria enjoyed providing day-care for a few special children, as well. She believed this natural desire to care for babies and children ran in her family, as her mother had been a nanny in Austria.
In addition to the foster babies, Gloria doted on every single one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all loved her dearly and enjoyed getting their socks from her each Christmas. Her first grandchild was unable to clearly say "Grandma" and it came out sounding like "Germunga," which was abbreviated to "Ger," a loving nickname everyone in the family called her from that point forward.
Gloria's special heart for babies never left her. When she was experiencing troubling days while grappling with the effects of Alzheimer's, showing her photos of babies (or bringing one to visit her) would always bring her back to us.
In all her years, Gloria never learned to drive, yet her love was spread far and wide. She was known for doing thoughtful things, like bringing a plate of her freshly baked bars to the local fire station. She was a devout Catholic, serving in the kitchen on donut Sundays, baking bars for funeral luncheons, helping during Fall Festival, and even teaching CCD classes with George.
The world lost an exceptional woman the day Gloria was called Home. Her heart was bigger than most, and her love for others was poured into everything she did. She never uttered an unkind word about anyone. In fact, she always found something good in everyone. She was humble and gracious, thoughtful and selfless. Her love knew no bounds.
We envision Gloria and George reunited in heaven, once again, holding hands.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Fri., June 21 at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:30-11 AM prior to the service at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church or Alzheimer's Association.