Gloria Farrugia

Traverse City, Michigan: Gloria D. Farrugia, 89, died Feb. 12 at the Hope Village Assisted Living Home after a lengthy struggle with dementia.

She was born Dec. 27, 1926 in Dearborn, Michigan to Joseph and Loretta Farrugia. She graduated from Fordson High School and then worked as a secretary for the Detroit Veteran’s Hospital.

Gloria’s zesty personality and great beauty attracted many suitors, but she had eyes for just one – a scrappy Army Airman recently returned from World War II named Emanuel Farrugia. Although the two shared the same last name and Maltese heritage, they were not related.

Gloria married Emanuel, the love of her life, in 1948. The couple engaged in 59 years of blissful sparring until Emanuel’s death in 2007. They had three sons and a daughter, who died in infancy. The death of Baby Jill in 1956 was a sorrow that remained with Gloria all her days.

Gloria worked as a sales associate in the women’s wear section of the J.L. Hudson Company department store for more than a decade. But her primary vocation was nurturing her husband and three boys. Her life was devoted to family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Gary of Niantic, CT, Terry of Traverse City, and Cory of Baltimore. Daughters-in-law include Elizabeth Farrugia, Kim Farrugia and Gwen Farrugia. Gloria is also survived by four much-adored grandchildren, Molly, Emilie, Erin and Gillian.

Gloria and Emanuel made clear their wish that they be cremated and their ashes comingled so they may once again be together.

A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life will be held in the summer. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Michigan, 10852 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Please sign the guest book and share a message with her family.