July 26th, 2023, Gloria Ann Williams (Gianino), 67 of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away suddenly at home with her loving partner Brian Dickherber at her side. Gloria and Brian met in 2004 at Courion Doors where they immediately bonded over their mutual appreciation for camping. They continued to travel and conquer the world for 19 AMAZING years. Gloria loved the mountains, ocean, traveling, cooking, dogs, coffee and being outdoors. She was fearless, independant and loved to be silly.
In October 2020, after 17 years of service, Gloria retired from Courion Doors. Eager and ready to spend time with her beloved partner Brian, grandchildren, family & friends, Gloria did just that! Gloria was a strong willed Sicilian woman, but had a huge heart, generous spirit and beautiful smile that touched everyone she met. She was thoughtful, loyal and brave. Always optimistic, Gloria undoubtedly had incredible strength which helped her deal with life’s challenges, never holding her back. She powered through each and every day with courage & serenity. She was full to the brim with cooking expertise, and loved sharing recipes with her dear daughter Angela, family and friends. When her time came; she carried herself with dignity, strength, and love for those who went before her.
Gloria was a proud mother to daughter Angela Hoffman (John R. Hoffman), son Carl Williams (Yolany Zavala Mejia) & son Alexander Parks. Dear step-mother to Tara Burger (Michael Burger) & Brandon Dickherber (Rebeccah MacLeod). Gloria was joyfully a “Nana” to her grandson Parker Hoffman, granddaughter Johana Rodreguiz Zavala & her newest unborn grandchild to Carl & Yolany, “Gigi” to granddaughters Myra and Nora Burger, loving them all greater than she ever imagined possible. Dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, cousin, godmother and friend to many. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents Samuel Gianino & Angela Gianino; sisters Victoria Baker & Jo Ann Mantia; brother Samuel Gianino Jr. Gloria had a love for her large Sicilian family that was next to none. She was the sixth of seven siblings and loved spending time with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Gloria will be forever remembered by her surviving siblings Dominic Gianino, Ricardo Gianino and Rosey Kessler.
Angi, Carl, Alex Parks along with Brian and family invite you to celebrate Gloria’s Birthday and Celebration of Life on September 1st, 2023 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (on the Hill).
Visitation: 9:00-10:00 am in Church followed by mass at 10:00- 11:00 am. After mass we will gather in the church basement for lunch and a celebration of Gloria’s life. She will especially be remembered for all the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be missed dearly.
Gloria Williams Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Gloria’s family the family has set up two special memorials. The first one is with the International Myeloma Foundation. To donate click this link https://www.myeloma.org. Gloria developed Multiple Myeloma 8 years ago, which is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. While this cancer was a part of her life, she did not let it become the center of her life. Gloria got up each & every morning to seize the day, never letting this disease slow her down. The second memorial is Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Due to her love for animals, Gloria often volunteered her time with this particular shelter. To donate please click here: Strayrescue.org/gloria-ann-williams . Thank you for all your love, support and prayers during this time. With Love, The Williams and Dickherber family.
To Brian, Angie, Carl, Alex and to the entire Gianino and Dickherber families; you have my deepest sympathy. She is at peace now no more pain, no more worries. The picture you picked says it all. You can almost hear her laughter. She will be missed dearly. Prayers for all. Peace and blessings, Love Betty
We are so sad to learn of the passing of Gloria. We had a bond of sharing a grandson, Parker Hoffman and her daughter Angela. We always enjoyed our visits at the get-togethers and Nana will definitely be missed. It was evident she enjoyed life and had fun doing it! The families have our deepest sympathies.
Angela,
We’re so sorry for your loss of your mom. You always spoke so highly of her. We have fond memories of Easter brunch with Gloria and Alex.
Prayers of comfort and peace.
Rob & Tammi Light
(Adam’s parents)
I haven’t seen Gloria since grade school, I remember her being a very nice girl, so sorry for the families.
My deepest condolences to Brian and her family
I worked for an elevator company for many years and used to call into Courion. where Gloria worked for many years along with one of her coworkers, LJ They were so much fun to deal with every day. It made my day two of the sweetest people. Gloria will definitely be missed. Hopefully she’s in a better place my deepest sympathy to her family.
So sad to hear the news. Gloria was a everyday part of coming to work. Broke my heart when I heard of her disease. She always shared her great recipes and adventurous stories of the camping trips she has made with Brian. Was sad when she retired but glad for her to make more memories through her love for the outdoors. Always enjoyed her conversations. She will always be missed at Courion.
Gloria was my parts lady at Courion. I never met her. Gloria was always a joy to talk to. Extremely competent at her job. I’m deeply saddened by her passing. Wish I could have met her.