Gloria C. Sullivan

Gloria C. Sullivan, 84, Rockford, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 9, 2012, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a sudden illness. She was born October 3, 1928, in Oak Park, the daughter of Harold and Catherine (McMinn) Guilfoyle. Gloria was a graduate of Mundelein College, and was a preschool teacher and actress in her younger years, performing in many college and community theater productions, as well as in radio plays on WBBM in Chicago. She married John "Jack" Sullivan in Oak Park in the early 1950s; he passed away in September, 2002. She was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and was at home raising her children with her husband Jack, former President of Rockford Wholesale Paper Co., for many years before returning to school at age 50 to become a travel agent Chas. V. Weise Co. (now Bergners). She was then selfemployed as a travel and cruise specialist until her retirement in the 1990s. Gloria enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, and spending summers and holidays at Lake Geneva, WI with family and friends. She enjoyed her experience as a onetime featured extra on the "Love Boat" television series filmed on board the Pacific Princess Cruise ship in the 1980s. Gloria was lovingly referred to by her children as "Miss Daisy" , since she did not drive, and refused to let relative and fleeting morals erode our "Godgiven rights and responsibilities." She valued faith, modesty, and reverence for the "Real Presence." Her motherly advice and counsel was given to all, whether it was driving instructions or the proper steps and posture for the waltz. She loved to sing, dance, and act, whether on stage or at home. She will be most fondly remembered for the laughter and joy in her smiling Irish eyes. Survived by daughter, Kerry (Mike) Glavin of Loves Park; sons, Tim Sullivan and Mark Sullivan, both of Rockford; sister, Joyce (Jeff) Gaydos of New York City; nieces and nephews, Kate McEnroe Riggins, Dan, Martin, and Bill McEnroe; Molly GaydosDupes. Predeceased by her parents and husband, Jack.Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St. Rockford, 61102. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.