Gloria J. Ponessi

September 10, 1930 ~ November 9, 2024

Formerly of Newburgh, NY

On November 9, 2024, Gloria J Ponessi, beloved matriarch of our family, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord at the age of 94.

Born on September 10, 1930, in Maybrook, NY. Graduating from Maybrook High in 1948. Life was just beginning! Mama loved to go to The Avalon roller skating rink on the weekends during high school. Little did she know that the stars would align on a Saturday afternoon, and she would meet her future husband there. With a choice to make to go to nursing school or get married, she chose marriage. I think my Nonny's Italian cooking had a lot to do with that! They married on October 23, 1949, and bought their first home in the Town of Newburgh. It was there where they raised their four children in a neighborhood where we all were family and she was known as Aunt Glor to all. She followed her children throughout their grammar school years, working in the Balmville School Cafeteria and leading my Girl Scout Troop. She was a member of the Central Council and received her PTA Lifetime Award. Mama also enjoyed her time volunteering at St. Luke's Hospital.

A devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Patrick's Church, Mama enjoyed her time volunteering in the Soup Kitchen for 10 years where she met a lot of great people. Also, a member of the Alter Rosary Society.

Mama was a true blue (and orange) Mets Fan. Loyal and frustrated for many years. She knew the players names, numbers, and positions. We had a lot of fun watching games together win or lose. She was always excited for Spring Training to begin and watched them make it to the National League Championship Series this year. A World Series Win would have been the cherry on top!

Moving into her dream home at Aloha Acres, she continued to enjoy her social outlets including The Aloha Acres Senior Park Social Club and the Golden Years Senior Club with her cousin Doris, who also lived in the neighborhood. This enabled her to take day trips to Casinos, Saratoga Race Track and restaurants which she enjoyed. Mom and Dad spent 30 wonderful years of peace and quiet there celebrating 67 amazing years together until Dad's passing in 2016. Mama remained there for 6 more months until it was no longer safe to live alone.

Mama was graciously welcomed into her daughter Liz and Dave's home on her birthday in 2016. We were blessed to have, care and pamper her for 8 years. She enjoyed family visits from out of town and state which were made effortlessly by those who loved her. We recently celebrated her 94th Birthday with all family members in attendance. Thank you Jesus for allowing her that day! Mama passed peacefully in her bed as we were saying I love you and holding her hand.

Soon to be reunited with her husband Lou, daughter Terri, son Joey and grandson Joey. She missed them all dearly.

Amazing mother to Lou (Maureen), Liz (David), and "daughter" Margaret

Loving Mema to 7 grandchildren, Amber, Kristin, Louie III, Jake, Phil, Alexis and Rebecca. Great grandchildren Gwen, Kinley, Louie IV, Julian, Riley, Tyler and her newest addition Ellie Rae.

Sister "Babe" to sisters Joan and Carla.

Also loved by nieces, nephews and cousins whom she thought the world of.

Faithful granddogs Bodey & Stella, who would never miss a meal with her, enjoyed taking morning naps together, and sleeping in her bed at night.

To the world you are a mother, but to our family you are the world! Always in our hearts Mama.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Mama's favorite charities ~ St. Jude Children's Hospital; and The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Menands, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, November 15 at Our Lady of the Lake Chapel, Newburgh, with burial following at Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor