Gloria left us on February 24th, 2023, six days shy of her 92nd birthday.
She was born on March 2, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, and was the firstborn to Michael and Bertha Crothers. Gloria was welcomed by five half-brothers and a half-sister from her mother’s prior marriage. Her Lancaster surnamed half-brothers were: William, George, Arthur, Richard, and Robert, and Vivian Lancaster was her half-sister. Gloria’s birth was followed by four Crothers siblings: Jackie, Raymie, Kenny, and Barbara. Little Gloria was such a cute baby her mother got her photos made and won her an audition to be the next Shirley Temple. Had she done anything but cry in front of the cameras, she may have had a shot.
The Crothers family relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Gloria graduated from Las Cruces High School. She then enlisted in the US Army and was proud of the fact that while in the Women’s Army Corps, she was given the honor of ringing The Liberty Bell as part of a large patriotic celebration. She spoke of this memorable moment many times throughout her life.
Eight months after enlisting, Gloria found herself at the alter with a handsome paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne, William John McGonigle. They met at Fort Benning, Georgia, and were married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 12, 1950. After leaving the military, they moved to Philadelphia. Seeking greener pastures and with two children in tow, they moved to Las Cruces.
Gloria was a dedicated and supportive wife to Bill (deceased 1999), who enjoyed a successful career in the insurance business. It was the baby boom days, and she did her part to become a loving mother of eight children. While raising a house full of kids, she was an active member of The Cactus Club & Extension Club. Gloria joined service organizations such as the Elks Club, The VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and others. Whenever a den mother, chaperone, chauffeur, or help was needed, she was ready and eager to step up.
Thankfully, as well as raising a family, Gloria could enjoy other activities. She looked forward to her bridge and poker club nights, and she and Bill were on bowling leagues and golfed. She truly enjoyed traveling to see her grandkids throughout the US and abroad, including all the way to Indonesia. Many people grew to know and love this kind lady through her ninety-two years.
Gloria is survived by her children Bill McGonigle, Kathy Pearson (Norman), Robert McGonigle, Mike McGonigle (deceased), Patrick McGonigle, Lisa Franz (Darren), Jimmy McGonigle, and John McGonigle (Anna). Gloria was so proud of her 15 grand-children; Essence Welck, Charles McGonigle, Robby Taylor, Robert McGonigle (deceased), Michael McGonigle, DJ Franz, Haylie Franz Schreiber, Liam McGonigle, Regan McGonigle, Ian McGonigle, Tara McGonigle, Ryan McGonigle, Keegan McGonigle, Maegan McGonigle, Jonathan McGonigle, and her 14 wonderful great-grandchildren.
Please join us for the Celebration of Life Services; visitation will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:00 am at Getz Funeral Home located at 1410 East Bowman Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88001, followed by services at 11:00 am and burial at Masonic Cemetery located at 760 South Compress Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
Pall Bearers: Mike McGonigle, Liam McGonigle, DJ Franz, Charlie McGonigle, Robby Taylor, Ryan McGonigle. Honorary Pall Bearers: Keegan McGonigle & Lucas Taylor.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude's in memory of Gloria
We will gather after the burial at the J.M. Carriere VFW Post 10124 located at 709 South Valley Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
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