Gloria Loraine Barthelmes

SOUTHBRIDGE: On the early morning of March 30th Gloria Barthelmes loving wife and mother of 6 children and 9 stepchildren passed away at the age of 84. she was at her home surrounded by her family.

Gloria was born February 10, 1939. The daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Marie Rose (Guilmette) Richard.

Gloria leaves her husband of 19 years Wendell Barthelmes; 3 sons Richard Collette of Worcester, Mark Collette and wife Carol of Hopkinton, Raymond Baillargeon and wife Patricia of North Brookfield and 2 daughters Theresa Blakeney and husband Robert of Sequin, Tx and Joanne Demarco and husband Louis of Worcester. Gloria also leaves over 40 Grandchildren, over 60 Great-Grandchildren, a sister Joan Kelley of Whitinsville, a sister-in-law Carmon Richard of Northbridge, and a very close and longtime friend Patricia Magliaro.

Gloria is predeceased by her daughter Donna (Collette) Tupa, Granddaughter Michelle Collette, a Step- Mother Irma (Plouff) Richard, and 3 brothers Roland, Leon, and Ernest Richard

Gloria graduated from Grafton High School. During her four years she did 3 years Junior Red Cross, 1 year Chieftain, 3 years G.H.A.A., 1 year Girls Glee Club, 2 years Class Committee, and 2 years Collier Drive. While doing all these activities she still kept up her grades.

Gloria & #039’s quote in her yearbook was & quote; Gentle of speech Beneficent of mind & quote; Her school wrote about her was Quiet and Reserved with a good word for all... Enjoys driver education... politeness personified.

Gloria graduated from Rob Roy Academy as a Manicurist and also took up some courses at Eastern Nazarene College.

Gloria worked at the South Worcester Neighborhood Center, Gals and Guys Hair Salon. Then went to work for Global Petroleum in Waltham after raising her children. She retired then went back to work for Macy & #039’s in Auburn for 15 years before retiring for a second time. Gloria then volunteered working at the gift shop at Harrington Hospital until she became sick.

Gloria was a member of St. James Church in Grafton until she moved to Southbridge then transferred to St. John Paul 2nd Church.

Gloria was a Loving, Humorous, Caring, and devoted Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend and she was loved by all.

Gloria loved Knitting and Crocheting. She loved making things for people and charities.

Gloria volunteered for a lot of charities. example.... M.S. and a lot of programs at St. John Paul 2nd programs. and any person or business that needed help.

Gloria loved being with and doing things with her family and loved to travel.

The family would love to give a special thanks to Harrington Cancer Unit and Compassus Hospice Care for all the love and care they gave Gloria. You will always be in a special place in our hearts.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 4, from the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street Southbridge, followed with a Mass at 11AM in St. Mary’s Church, Hamilton Street, Southbridge.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Leicester.

Calling hours are 6 to 8PM, Monday, April 3, in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104 or online at www.shrinerschildrens.org

An online guestbook and video tribute are available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com