Gloria Jean Morrison's Obituary
Gloria Jean Morrison (nee Grillo), of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 14, 2024. Born in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, PA, to the late Frank and Pauline (nee Todaro) Grillo, she was 75 years old.
Gloria was the beloved wife of Douglas K. Morrison Sr., high school sweethearts married for 52 years; loving mother of Douglas K. Morrison Jr. (Amanda) and Jeffrey S. Morrison (Katrina); cherished G-Mom of Brooke, Declan, and Alessandra; dear sister of Paula Diaczuk (Walter), Joanne Monturo (Vincent), the late Peter Valentine (Ruth), the late Ann Gulotta (Charles), and the late Vincent Grillo (Theresa), her twin brother. Gloria is also survived by so many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Gloria was a dedicated teacher and reading specialist for the School District of Philadelphia for almost 30 years and had the uncanny ability to remember the name of every student she ever taught, including the names of their parents, siblings, and specifics of each student. She was passionate about education and instilled this in her students, children, grandchildren, and her entire extended family.
Gloria was most passionate about her family. As “1 of 6” from a traditional Italian family, her family was huge and it extended to countless other “cousins”, “aunts” and “uncles” with whom no blood was shared, but they were family, nonetheless. Her family spanned the world, from Philly/Sea Isle City all the way to Melbourne, Australia. Her presence will be sorely missed by all. More than anything, Gloria loved her husband, Doug, her sons Doug & Jeff, their wives Amanda and Trina, and her three beautiful grandchildren who made her life complete once they entered the world. She was a loving and doting G-Mom who let her grandchildren do things she would never EVER allow her own boys to do growing up. She understood the assignment well.
Sunday Gravy at G’s house was one of the hottest tickets around, whether it was in Holmesburg, Cinnaminson or Sea Isle. Gloria must have fed macaroni to half of Sea Isle over the years and there was always room for “one more” at the table. Sunday dinners were loud with plenty of food, wine, music, and laughter. She was like another mother to so many of her sons’ friends, often spending time with “her boys” even when her sons were not present.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday evening, December 20th, at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Saturday, December 21st, at Sacred Heart Church, 4th Street and Linden Avenue, from 9:30 am to 11 am. Her Mass will begin at 11 am and will be livestreamed: https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/3-r2YzV2o?pin=067022. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FOP Lodge 5 Survivors Fund in Gloria's name:
https://fop5.org/DonateAmount?Donate_value=NOW
or to Little Flower High School, https://littleflowerhighschool.org/ways-to-give
What’s your fondest memory of Gloria?
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Share a story where Gloria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gloria you’ll never forget.
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