Sr. Gloria Glinski, IHM

Obituary – Sister Gloria Glinski, IHM

MONROE, Mich. – Sister Gloria Glinski, IHM, died Aug. 30, 2021 at her home, the IHM Senior Living Community.

On Nov. 7, 1926, Gloria Rose Glinski was born to Walter and Julia (Lewandowski) Glinski in Detroit, Mich. Along with her three brothers, the family belonged to St. Ladislaus parish in Hamtramck, where the children attended the elementary and high schools. Her father was a City of Detroit Police Officer and her mother managed the household and children’s education. Gloria graduated from Girls’ Catholic Central in 1944. She entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name Sister Roberta Marie.

Sister Gloria was a long-time elementary school teacher in the state of Michigan; including St. Joseph, Monroe; St. Boniface and Our Lady of Good Counsel, Detroit; St. Phillip, Battle Creek; St. Thomas, Ann Arbor; St. John, Jackson, St. Michael, Flint; and St. Regis and Holy Name, Birmingham.

During this time, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove College and master’s degree in Education at Wayne State University. In 1982, she returned to formal study at Madonna College, Livonia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Gerontology. Her ministry moved into social services and pastoral care at Marian Place, Monroe, and Cadillac Nursing Home, Detroit.

Another change came after a year of renewal in 1990, when Sr. Gloria first left Michigan to minister in Winter Haven, Florida, at St. Joseph Parish, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Incarnation School, Sarasota. Returning to the Motherhouse in 1997, she continued her work in Pastoral Care and as a Clinic Aide. Even after retiring in 2004, she continued to volunteer in Pastoral Care.

Sister Gloria is survived by brother Jerry, sisters-in-law Dolores Glinski and Helen Glinski, cousins, and her sisters in community. Brothers Eugene and Robert preceded her.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, services will be private at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel on Thurs., Sept. 2. The services will be Livestreamed beginning at 10 a.m. and may be viewed until Sept. 23, 2021. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162-7909.