Obituary of Gloria Ann Rawluk

Gloria A. Rawluk (Bellusci), 89, of Chapel Hill NC passed away peacefully September 13, 2012 at Carol Woods Retirement Community. She was born on January 4, 1923 in Jersey City, NJ. She was a daughter of Salvatore and Rose Bellusci. Her beloved husband, Nicholas Rawluk, predeceased her August 8, 1999. She is also predeceased by her brother, Nathan Bellusci, sisters Rose Gentile and Mildred Taro, and one niece, Elaine Overby. Gloria is survived by her son, Nicholas Rawluk, Jr., her daughter, Jeanne Rawluk Ketterer and son-in-law, David Ketterer; sisters Mary Aria and Claire DeCicco (Fred DeCicco). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends. Gloria grew up in Jersey City, NJ, attended Jersey City schools, and graduated from Henry Snyder High School. She later attended Tombrock College. Gloria married her beloved husband, Nicholas Rawluk, September 30, 1950 in Jersey City. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to West Paterson (Woodland Park) NJ where they raised their two children. While her husband often worked long, varied hours, she kept her home running smoothly, overseeing her children's schoolwork and activities with much love and a sense of humor. Gloria joined the West Paterson Women's Club in 1960 and soon became an active member of the West Paterson community. She devoted many volunteer hours to various civic projects. The two she was most proud of was her development of the first pre-school program, Story Hour, in the area in early 1960, held at the public library. Her second was the 15 years she served on the Board of Trustees of the West Paterson Free Public Library Board; she was president from 1972 - 1979, during the design and completion of the new library, the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library. Gloria and her husband retired to Chapel Hill NC in 1982. They were members of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church. She enjoyed attending plays, concerts and traveling with her husband. She was an avid reader and knitter. She delighted in receiving cards, photos and the latest news of her nieces and nephews. Soon after her husband died, she moved to the Carol Woods Retirement Community, joining in activities and continuing her favorite hobbies. Funeral arrangements by Walker's Funeral Home, 120 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill NC 27514, (919) 942-3861, www.walkersfuneralservice.com Visitation Monday, September 17, 2012 at 7 pm - 9 pm. Church service Tuesday, September 18, 2912 at 11 am, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill NC 27514, (919) 942-1040 www.st-thomasmore.org. Cemetery immediately following service, Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.walkersfuneralservice.com