Gloria Maria Oles

Gloria Maria Oles, of Phenix City, AL died Monday, August 22, 2022 at Parkwood Healthcare Facility.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 27, 2022 at St. Anne Catholic Church with Reverend Scott Winchell officiating according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Gloria was born on December 14, 1928 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the late Jose Burgos and Florentina Ortiz Burgos. She worked at the International Paper Workers Union in New York and Nashville, TN, as a secretary.

She lived her life fully and was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.  Her path was not an easy one as she suffered from dementia for the past 25 plus years. She managed to overcome her inability to remember names by calling everyone, Sister or Brother, and even if they were not related, they were happy to become part of her family.

Gloria loved being the center of attention, even though it often embarrassed her more traditional and conservative daughters, Beverly and Wilma. They didn’t always see eye to eye with their mother, but both daughters were raised to have faith in God and always respect everyone. The girls got used to their mother’s flamboyant ways and learned to prepare for the unexpected.  Gloria was proud of her Spanish heritage and loved to sing and dance to all music. She loved to cook and spend  time with her entire family, but especially with her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by and leaves her legacy to her daughters, Beverly A. Duty of Fortson, GA and Wilma R. Stasaitis (Paul) of LaGrangeville, NY.
Her grandchildren, Noelle G. Keith (Brian), Timothy W. Mercado, Christopher L. Mercado, Sarah C. Stasaitis-Davis (Glen), and Paul F. Stasaitis. Her great grandchildren: Tyler McKay (McKenziem), Meagan McKay, RoryJane Keith, Luke D. Mercado, Jacob A. Mercado, Jeremy J. Stasaitis-Davis, Parker J. Stasaitis-Davis, Lily G. Stasaitis, Julia N. Stasaitis, Kate E. Stasaitis and Paul M. Stasaitis. Her great-great granddaughter will be coming in February 2023.

Thanks Mom, Mima and Grandmommy, you are loved and will never be forgotten!