Auburn - Gloria V. (Erickson) Rose, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus, with family by her side. Her husband of 49 years, Gordon E. Rose, died in 1992. Gloria was born in Worcester, daughter of Annie Mae Penniman (Ekberg) and Victor A. Erickson. She was a graduate of Auburn High School. Gloria was a member of the First Congregational Church of Auburn and volunteered at its Here We Grow Preschool. She worked at David Clark Co., then retired from Riley Stoker after many years. An accomplished knitter, Gloria donated many mittens, hats, and scarves to the children at Union Hill School in Worcester. She loved the N.E. Patriots, dancing, music, travel, bingo, gardening, nature, camping, solving the daily crossword, and ice cream. The love of the ocean gave her summers on the Cape and winters in Florida. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
She leaves a son, Bradford G. Rose and his wife Nancy; two daughters, Sharon L. and her husband Ronald Mezzano of Centerville and The Villages, FL and Fawn H. Robidoux of Auburn and Thompson, CT; a sister, Barbara A. Rose of Oxford; 7 grandchildren, Lynn Mezzano O'Connell, Mark Mezzano, Corey Rose, Kimberly Rose DeCristoforo, Matthew Robidoux, Lindsay Robidoux, and Brendon Robidoux; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her life-long friend, Nancy Danielson. She was predeceased by brothers Wendell C. and Paul A. Erickson and sisters Marion W. Orczyk and Shirley G. Rose.
A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Auburn on Sat., Feb. 4, at 10 am. Burial of ashes will follow in Hillside Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, Memorial Fund, 128 Central St. Auburn MA 01501.
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