Gloria was the author's beloved grandmother who created warm and cozy memories during family visits. She had a unique ability to tell funny and compelling stories that held her entire family rapt with attention. Gloria was the heart of her family, bringing them together with her humor, intelligence and boisterous laugh. Though she has passed, her glow of love and pride for her family continues to be felt.

1. In Loving Memory Of Our Grandmother Gloria~
In a life filled to the brim with warm, loving and cozy memories, so many of
them center around my times with my "Grama" Gloria; devoted mother, wife,
sister, and great-grandmother. Although my sister Lisa and I never got to see
her and our Grampa Gilly as much as we would have liked throughout our
childhood, we always knew that when we did get a chance to drive to New York, or
when they drove out to our home in MA, that the time spent would be extremely
special. She had a most unique and wonderful way, and was always so excited to
have her entire family with her. The most memorable times were spent at her home
in Cedahurst. If one looks up "cozy' in the dictionary, one should, by rights,
see a picture of Gilly & Gloria's home on Central Place. My sister and I were
always so thrilled to be there. Both Grama and Puppa Gilly treated us with such
warmth, love and caring. This was the epitome of being in the "bosom' of your
family. My sister Lisa and I couldn't wait to get there, and never wanted to
leave. Gloria was so animated and compelling. When she told us all stories about
her life on Long Island, we were all frozen in rapt attention. NO ONE told a
funny, interesting tale like Gloria Bloom. We adored her stories, and the
melodramatic way she "performed" them. She not only loved and cared for us with
all her heart, but she was unabashed in showing everybody how proud she was of
us; her children and her grandchildren. When we'd arrive she'd light up, and
stay beaming the entire time we visited.
Like many wives and mothers, she was most comfortable as the center of
attention. She was the glue that kept the feelings of family and celebration
going. We all marveled at the brilliance of her humor and the intelligence of
her conversation. And the thing about her I will always remember best, by far,
was her laugh. She put more of herself into her laugh than anyone ever has or
will. At it's most boisterous, it seemed nearly hysterical. To this day, when I
laugh really hard, I can instantly feel her presence coming from my body,
through my laughter. And laughter and fun and family togetherness was what being
with Grama was all about. I would have to write an entire book to truly touch
upon what a deep and complicated woman Gloria Bloom was. I believe she
sacrificed what would have been great careers as actress or writer, or comedian
to raise her family, and take care of the jewel of her life, her husband Gilly.
Maybe someday I will write that book. But for now, it feels good just to know
that me and my family were so blessed as to have "Glo" be such an important and
valued part of our lives. "Glo" wasn't just a shortened version of her name. She
really did glow, and it was impossible not to feel you were basking in that glow
when she was near you. Even when great distance separated us for many years, I
knew her love and thoughts were with me. I still feel the pride and joy she had
for me, and all her family. She may be gone in body, but Glo's glow still
remains...
Eric Scott Bloom
Grandma Gloria's Grandson