Obituary of Gloria M. Santucci

"Palmer – Gloria M. (Ryan) Santucci, 81, died February 28, 2004 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on Nov. 18, 1922 in Hartford, Ct., the daughter of Ralph and Alice (Drechsler) Ryan. At the age of four, the family moved to Palmer, MA where she attended the local schools and was a graduate of Palmer High School. Mrs. Santucci received her B.S. degree, cum laude, from Westfield State College in 1963. In her junior year she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an honor society for education majors, and remained a life member. Gloria went on to earn her M.S. degree from Westfield State as well. She taught 2 nd grade at East St. School in Ludlow before becoming the Library Media Specialist at Monson Jr.- Sr. High School, retiring in 1982, after 10 years. Married for 57 years to Dr. Leo J. Santucci, former Supt. of Schools in Palmer, he predeceased her in 1998. She was also predeceased by her son William in 1995. Mrs. Santucci belonged to St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Palmer, serving three terms on the Parish Council, more than 10 years on the administration and finance committee, and four years as the committee’s chair. She was also a member of the Spiritual Life Committee, His Way Prayer Group and Sts. Peter & Paul Rosary Sodality. Active in the Pro-Life movement for many years, she most recently served as vice chairman of the Quaboag Valley Chapter of Mass. Citizens for Life. She leaves her daughter Marbeth A. Santucci of Marshfield, MA, her son Dr. Leo J. Santucci, Jr. and his wife Teri of Willimantic, CT, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as her 2 sisters Geraldine Lawless and Jean Ryan both of Palmer, a niece, 2 nephews, a number of cousins and many dear friends. Services will be held on Tuesday at 10:15am from the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home followed by a liturgy of Christian burial at 11:00am in St. Thomas Church. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 4-8:00 pm. Donations may be made in her memory to the Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research, 1201 Walnut St., Cary, North Caroline 27511 or to Quaboag Valley Hospice 42 B. Wright St., Palmer, MA 01069. "