Gloria Bertrand Abele

Gloria Bertrand Abele, beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, died October 10th in Salt Lake City. She was in her own bed, surrounded by those who loved her the most, with her kitty at her feet, just as she wanted. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Groundhog’s Day (February 2) 1927, to Ethel Cook Bertrand and Jerome V. Bertrand. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy and attended Western Reserve University, where she met her husband of 26 years, the late John C. Abele. Gloria served as Legal Administrator for 24 years at the law firm of Spangenberg, Shibley, Traci & Lancione in Cleveland.  It was the perfect job for her and she did it very well.  She made many lifetime friends — from lawyers to secretaries — at the firm.  She was an active member of Annunciation Parish and loved singing in the choir with “Griglak’s Gang.” After retiring in 1995, she moved to Salt Lake City with her sister Doris to be closer to her family. Her new life in Salt Lake included the Newcomers Club, book clubs, the Vincentinos, birthday clubs, and either hosting or attending many parties and social gatherings.  Gloria could always be counted on for a great story about her world travels, sometimes with dubious factual basis. She remained a proud fan of all things “Cleveland”, including the Browns. Gloria was always curious, and was an avid reader, starting two new books in the past week. She loved animals, especially cats, and was an active member with Best Friends Animal Society. Gloria will be missed by her daughter, Joan C. Abele, M.D. (Cris Cowley, M.D.), her sister Doris Bertrand, and completely adored grandchildren Thomas, Sarah, and Jonathan Newhall. She was preceded in death by her sister Dolores and brothers Carl and Robert Bertrand.

Her family would like to thank the many Intermountain physicians who cared for her through good times and through crisis. They especially thank Michael P. Collins, M.D. for the St. Jude valve that lasted 20 years, Lee Burke, M.D., Jim Pearl, M.D., the Heart Failure Clinic, Ed Wyne, M.D., and Megan Skibitsky, M.D. 

Thanks, too, to her devoted friends, especially Sharon, Louise, Mardell, and Angelica who were always willing to go shopping, bring cat litter, or stop by for dinner.  She appreciated the staff and residents at Cottonwood Creek for welcoming her into their community and loved poker on Saturdays.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Gloria's name to the American Heart Association https://donatenow.heart.org or Best Friends Association www.bestfriends.org/donate. 

  A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be included. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, October 15th at 10:00 AM at Cottonwood Creek Assisted Living, 1245 E Murray Holladay Rd, Salt Lake City. Gloria will be laid to rest with her husband at Holy Cross Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio at a later date.