Gloria Bird Olney, 86, went peacefully to the Lord on August 12, 2018 at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Gloria was born to William Bird and Dorothy White Bird on March 9, 1932, one of eight children in her family. She graduated high school from The Academy of Holy Names, and later from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame. Gloria married her best friend, William Howard Olney, on January 21, 1956. They were blessed with over 50 years of marriage and five children. Gloria found joy in her calling to serve others throughout her life, and did so in both her personal and professional endeavors. She worked hard to develop a deep sense of faith and was blessed with natural intelligence, a great sense of humor and a kind, selfless heart- all of which contributed to her great success. She was a caseworker for Utica- Rome Catholic Charities and the Oneida County Department of Social Services. She also served as a Psychiatric Social Worker for the New York State Office of Mental Health for 25 years. In addition to professional work, she also worked as a volunteer starting early in her life when she hosted several young unwed mothers in the family home. Gloria was also a Juniper Twig for over 50 years and a past president for that organization. She was a volunteer for Hospice for over twenty years, and valued greatly the time spent and memories made there. She was also an active member of St. Joseph’s Church in Lee Center where she was a lector, a Eucharistic Minister and a past member of the parish council. She delivered the Eucharist to homebound parishioners for over 20 years. These activities suited Gloria well as she was a genuinely kind person with an innate ability to bring comfort and happiness to those she served.
Gloria also liked having fun and spending time with friends and family. Gloria belonged to the Wednesday Morning Club, Teugega Country Club and was a life-time member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club. Gloria loved her community in Westernville and was very proud to be a founding member of the Westernville Bunko Babes. She enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing, gardening, swimming, skiing, reading and quilting. She was a great friend and cherished the many friendships she made over the course of her life.
Gloria’s priority was always her family and she enjoyed times spent together with her “most precious ones” most of all. Gloria is survived by her five children Peter and Ellen Olney, Julia and Christopher Gullett, Stephen and Catherine Olney, Jeffrey and Laurie Olney and Marybeth and Stephen Hollenkamp. Gloria had many grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the apple of her eye. She was affectionately referred to as “Mayma” and took that role very seriously. She is survived by three siblings: Dorothy Cariou, Robert J. Bird (Anne-Marie) and Mary Jane Volpe; as well as several very dear friends. Gloria was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill affectionately known as “Pop”, a granddaughter, several brothers and sisters and many lifelong friends.
Gloria will be dearly missed by the many family and friends who loved her.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Gloria on Thursday at 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Church. Burial will be in Westernville Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Relative and friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at Gloria’s home at 7594 Stokes-Westernville Rd. (intersection of River Rd. and Stokes-Westernville Rd.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westernville Fire Department and/ or Hospice.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.
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