Gloria Catherine Schmieder Meier, 91, of Union Vale, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 22,1931 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of Mildred Healey and Ralph Schmieder. Raised by a single mother, she and her sister Marion and brothers Ralph and Edward spent their early years playing stickball and handball in Grove Street Park. Although her youth coincided with the depression and WWII, Gloria relished her childhood and always reminisced about “the good old days.”
On January 7, 1954, Gloria married Raymond A. Meier and they shared 60 years of marriage. Theysettled their young family in Union Vale, where Gloria delighted in raising her children. Her family was the center of her world, and she is survived by her daughter Laura Hurley and her husband Joe of Millbrook, her son Joseph and his wife Sherene of Union Vale, daughter Catherine and her partner John of Millbrook, and son Michael and his fiancée Karen of Union Vale. Gloria was predeceased by her much-loved husband Raymond as well as her siblings.
Gloria also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Craig, Alyssa, and Evan Hurley, Tyler and Claire Dahlin, Ryan and Ashley Winters, and her great granddaughters Mara, Jaycee and Evalena Winters. Equally beloved and left to mourn her are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends who she loved so deeply, especially her dear friend and sister in life Caroline.
Gloria found her niche as a member of the Marona’s Market family where she happily worked for over a decade. Often referred to as “Mrs. Marona’s”, she served scores of customers with grace and a smile. She adored the people in her life above all else. Always talking and joking, her laugh was joyous, boisterous, and contagious. She was a genuinely nice lady, forever ready with a kind word or helping hand.
Gloria especially loved being around and taking care of children, which she did full time during the 1990’s and beyond. She was a trusted caregiver to numerous Millbrook families and each child was special to her. A lover of movies from her childhood and young adulthood, Gloria was an avid Turner Classic Movie channel viewer and was always eager to discuss her favorites. She also fancied playing competitive games especially Bridge and Scrabble.
Gloria served her community as a Dutchess County Election Inspector for 49 years and was a devoted member of the Union Vale Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Her bond with “the ladies” was lifelong and precious to her. Secretary for the Donut Dunkers Morning Bowling League, she made numerous friends and memories at Mardi-Bob. She was currently an active member of the Union Vale Seniors Club and always looked forward to Fridays at Tymor. Gloria also appreciated her diverse and evolving Facebook family.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 pm Sunday December 4th at 3270 Franklin Ave., Millbrook, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10 am Monday, December 5th at St. Joseph’s Church, Millbrook, NY. Interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery
Gloria’s family is forever indebted to the Union Vale Fire Company umbrella of Firemen, Auxiliary, and EMT’s. She would be honored for donations to be made to them in her name.
