Gloria Jean Napierala, 64, of Metamora, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2014, at home, surrounded by her loving family, after her courageous battle with recurrent cancer. Gloria was born March 19, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois to Delores (Disher) and John Bellner.
Gloria married her high school love, Tom, on July 19, 1968. Together they raised two sons, Jason and Aaron, and spent years together as a family camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Before graduating from nursing school in 1989, Gloria worked as a homemaker, preschool teacher, bus driver and mail carrier. Most recently, she worked for 21 years at the Anne Grady Center in Holland, Ohio as a dedicated nurse supervisor, overseeing care for adults and children with developmental disabilities. For fun, Gloria enjoyed trying her luck at slot machines. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her positive spirit and sense of humor made those around her smile. Her compassionate heart and loving manner always drew family and friends close to her. She will be greatly missed as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and nurse.
Left to cherish her memory is her committed and loving husband of 45 years, Tom; sons, Jason and Aaron (Lisa); grandchildren, Samuel, Daniel, Zander, Liana and one on the way; mother, Delores Disher; father John (Debbie) Bellner; sister, Carol (Zeke) Huddleston and brother, Joe Bellner. Gloria was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Bellner and stepfather, Howard Disher.
The family would like to give sincere thanks to Dr. John C. Evanoff, Dr. Timothy Kasunic, the nurses at the Hickman Center, and Heartland Hospice Center for their specialized care and support.
Gloria lived by the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference
The family will receive guests Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900).
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Gloria's memory are asked to consider The Victory Center or The Anne Grady Center.