Gloria Jean Coccia Grabenstein of Frederick, MD, died on February 19, 2023 at the Kline Hospice House, losing her battle with cancer at the age of 77. She was the daughter of the late Dominick Coccia and Stella Traini/Coccia of Palo Alto, PA.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Alexander M. Grabenstein, their daughters, Stella Horner(Michael) and Lucy Hoke(Daniel), four grandchildren, Shafer and Alexandrine Horner, Sebastian and Henry Louis Hoke.
Gloria was the youngest of five siblings, Lillian Drayer, Louis Traini(deceased), Baldien Traini Rossi(deceased), and John Traini. Gloria was predeceased by brother-in-law Dean Drayer, and is survived by sisters-in-law, Angela and Marilyn. Gloria was also predeceased by her mother's siblings, beloved aunts, Francine and Josephine and uncles, Anthony and Louis. She is survived by aunt, Gloria Deramo(Louis). She is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Margaret Grabenstein and Christopher and Lucia Kline. Gloria is also survived by several scores of nieces, nephews, and cousins spanning three generations of two families.
Gloria' s life was one of Faith, family, and friends, all of which she was blessed with in abundance. She used all to nourish each. She lived her life on earth as a truly Catholic Christian. Her unseen crosses were heavy but her protestations few.
She was not a prude, and her standards were respected even by those unable to abide by them. Her sincerity was unquestionable.
Born and baptized in the summer of 1945, she attended St. Stephen Elementary and graduated from Nativity High School in nearby Pottsville.
Gloria then obtained her nursing certificate from Fountain Springs Nursing School (Ashland Miners Hospital). Following that Gloria entered the Order of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirmed. Her seven years as Sister Dominick were devoted to ministry of health care for the elderly residents of Carmelite nursing homes in the northeast US.
In 1971 Gloria separated from the order and pursued a career in medical research at the Hershey Medical Center. She subsequently returned to school in Baltimore where she graduated as one of the first Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioners in the country. Gloria worked for Mercy Hospital until retirement in 1985.
Throughout the ensuing years Gloria was active as mother to her daughters as well as becoming an avid golfer. She relished the competition and comradery. She played in various leagues as well as with favorite players-including senior gentlemen who enjoyed her company and golf prowess. And always in her life, being sharply dressed for the event was as important as playing well. |