Gloria Pace Whelan's Obituary
Gloria Marie Pace Whelan, 87, formerly of Greenville, SC, died on November 29, 2025 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House, in Huntersville, NC.
Gloria was born on October 14, 1938 to Joseph Pace and Carmela Lucchese Pace in
Bronxville, NY.
Gloria graduated from Eastchester High School in Eastchester, NY on June 22, 1956. Known for her beauty and athleticism, Gloria was active in intra-mural sports where she was captain of the winning women’s basketball team, as well as a member of the winning women’s volleyball and winning women’s hockey teams. She was also a staff member of “Le Souvenir”, her high school’s yearbook.
Upon graduating from high school, Gloria entered The Berkeley School where she graduated on June 6, 1957. After which, she began a career as a secretary.
On August 26, 1960, Gloria married Richard Joseph Whelan in Yonkers, NY. Gloria and Richard had three daughters: Nancy Marie, Alessandra Elena, and Deanna Louisa.
Gloria and Richard moved to Florence, Italy in 1963 where they raised their daughters. She became fluent in the Italian language and immersed herself in Italian culture.
Gloria was an avid golfer who found joy participating in tournaments and occasionally bringing home a win. She was an excellent cook, affectionally known to her grandchildren as “Grandma Pasta”. A meticulous and organized homemaker, Gloria took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. Above all, she cherished time with family and friends - sharing good food, playing cards, laughing, and making memories that will be held close by all who knew and loved her.
In recent years, Gloria enjoyed the companionship of many friends and caretakers in Greenville, SC and the Charlotte, NC area.
Gloria was a faithful spouse, a devoted mother, and doting grandmother. Her family was her ministry. She will be remembered for her loyalty, gracefulness, and resiliency.
Gloria is survived by her loving daughters Nancy Gregory, Alessandra Crook (Ron), Deanna Hart (Tom), and step-daughter Barbara Timper. She leaves granddaughters Hannah and Carolyn Gregory (children of her former son-in-law, David Gregory), and grandson Ian Hart. Gloria is also survived by sisters Millie Weeks and Joann Verses, and her nieces and nephews George Weeks, Lisa Weeks, Christine Weeks, John Scuderi, and Karen Hart.
Gloria is predeceased by her husband Richard, and father and mother Joseph and Carmela Pace.
A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday December 20, 2025 at James Funeral Home of Huntersville 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. A private interment will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in New Rochelle, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be designated to Levine & Dickson Hospice House Huntersville on https://donatehospice.org.
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