Gloria (Vieira) Palermo, 87, of Lowell, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at The Atrium at Drum Hill in Chelmsford, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of the late William R. “Bill” Palermo, to whom she was married for over thirty years until his passing in 1992.
Born in Lowell on June 21, 1939, Gloria was the daughter of the late John Vieira and the late Mary (Avila) Vieira. She was educated in Lowell schools, graduating from Lowell High School before attending Newton's Academy to become a hairdresser.
Gloria’s greatest professional pride was Fantasy Fashions by Gloria, the beauty salon she and Bill created by converting part of their home on Quebec Street. She lived and worked there for more than sixty years, and as one of the first woman-owned and operated businesses in Lowell, the salon was a true reflection of her talent, independence, and hard work. Her care for her customers went well beyond their hair. She offered them lunch, gave them rides, and showed them a personal kindness that made them feel like family.
Helping others was at the heart of Gloria’s life. An active member of Sacred Heart Church, she gave generously of her time and talents through the Sew and Sews, the 1000 Club, and the Women’s Sodality. She also ran the church’s Christmas Bazaar for many years with the help of her husband Bill.
Her generosity extended into everyday life. Gloria loved cooking for family and friends, and she and Bill hosted many memorable pool parties, bringing people together to enjoy good food and one another’s company.
Gloria was a force of nature, especially when it came to caring for her home. She took great pride in her beautifully manicured yard and lawn, and she insisted on shoveling her own snow well into her later years, making her children look bad in the process. Her energy, determination, and pride in a job well done were unmistakable. Whether preparing a meal, lending a hand, or welcoming someone into her home, Gloria found countless ways to care for others, and her warmth and generosity will be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her children, William Palermo and his partner Lynne Davis of Lowell, JoAnne Downing and her husband James of Lowell, and MaryJo Palermo-Kirsch and her husband James Kirsch of Pelham, NH; her grandchildren, Nicole Palermo, James Downing, Sinead Downing and her partner Marc Mitchell, Mark Palermo, Matthew Palermo, Courtney Kirsch and her husband Matthew Westreich, and Katie Kirsch; her great-grandchildren, Finn and Mollie Mitchell; her brother, Bruce Vieira and his partner Lorelei Judge of Pelham, NH; her lifelong friend, Nancy Beane of Lowell; her beloved “Cousin Betty” Martin of Lowell; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Mark Palermo, her cherished grandson, Kevin Kirsch, her brother, John “Sonny” Vieira and his wife Elaine. She was also the longtime close friend of the late Jack Perry.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. On Wednesday her funeral will begin at the funeral home at 9 a.m.. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish, 375 Stevens Street, Lowell, MA 01851. Burial will be private in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gloria Palermo may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts/New Hampshire at www.alz.org/manh. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonough Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com.