Gloria Roppolo Theise

Gloria Theise

Gloria Roppolo Theise, 99, of St. Simons Island, died on Saturday, Aug. 24 at her home. She was born in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, to parents who emigrated from Italy.

When Gloria was 10 years old, her family moved to a farm in Newville, Pennsylvania, where she developed her appreciation for hard work, perseverance and determination. Those years created unforgettable memories that she lovingly shared with all her family.

After graduating from Carlisle Pennsylvania High School, she worked as a legal secretary until she attended Central Radio and Television School in Kansas City. Gloria then worked for Pan American World Airways until 1948. Her desire for the fashion industry landed her a job at J.K. Rosenberg and Co. in Times Square.

Gloria married Roger Theise on Sept. 5, 1948, and they shared 70 years together. They spent 23 years on Long Island, New York, raising four wonderful children.

In 1971, they moved to Venice, Florida, to open a Carvel Ice Cream Store. In 1975, Gloria joined Venice Nokomis Bank in the trust department and later Guaranty Bank of SW Florida until her retirement at 75 years old.

Gloria and Roger remained in Venice, Florida. for 40 years until relocating to St. Simons Island.

Gloria is survived by her two children, Claudia Theise (Mike Pittman) of St. Simons Island; son, Brian Theise (Bonnie) of Boca Raton, Florida; son-in-law, Bob Betterton of Fernandina Beach, Florida; daughter-in-law, Karen Theise of Venice; and sister, Rose Doll of Huntington Beach, California.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roger (2018); an infant daughter, Andrea Marie (1956); son, Gregory Lee Theise (2008); and daughter, Valerie Theise Betterton (2019). She leaves eight wonderful grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an accomplished pianist, organist and vocalist. Gloria was a lifelong Methodist where she was a long-time member of the church choir. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and keeping up with her very large family. She treasured time spent with her family and keeping up with distant relatives in Italy.

Gloria always found time to "give back" volunteering at the local library, memory care center and the Italian American Club. An avid "crossworder," Gloria was solving the daily crossword puzzle, in pen, to the very end.

Gloria was lovingly cared for by her steadfast caregiver Ethel Sullivan and with the wonderful support of Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Gloria will be profoundly missed but we know she is reunited with her Heavenly family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525. https://hospice.me/general-donation/

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, August 31, 2024