Gloria Walters

Gloria Walters, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield on May 7, 2024 after a 23 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 74.

Gloria Jean was born on January 22, 1950 in Fairmont, MN the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Mart) Garteski. She attended school in St. Charles and was a 1968 graduate of St. Charles High School. She married Van Walters on August 6, 1966 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and they started their family in St. Charles before moving to Vermont in 1985. After 30 years, they returned to their roots. Van and Gloria spent 57 wonderful years together, building a beautiful life filled with love and laughter. Gloria worked as a cashier at Jim’s Red Owl (Miller’s Market), Camera Art in Lewiston and then spent 30 years as a cashier at a grocery store in Vermont where she made endless friends along the way.

Gloria had a passion for preserving memories and creating beautiful keepsakes. She loved scrapbooking, baking and sewing, but her true talent was capturing special moments through photography. Her family and friends could always count on her to document family vacations, reunions and celebrations. Gloria’s photo albums and scrapbooks filled with her pictures were cherished by her loved ones. She had one rule when taking pictures: ‘No sunglasses allowed!’

Spending time with her family brought Gloria the greatest joy. She treasured every moment spent with her husband Van. She was a proud mother of four sons. Her seven grandsons and one great-granddaughter brought her immense joy. She was known for her warm and social nature. She was always eager to engage with others. She had a story to tell, an experience to share or words of wisdom to offer. Her genuine kindness, thoughtfulness and heart of gold left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Gloria enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows including “The Voice”, “Survivor”, and “American Idol” with a fresh bowl of popcorn. The comforting smell of popcorn wafting through her home became a nightly tradition for Walters family.

Gloria will deeply missed by her husband Van, children Rick (Lori), Garren (Lisa) Dion (Katherine) and Jamie (Erica), grandchildren Jordan (Emily) Jayden, Justin, Caleb, Evan, Nathan and her great-granddaughter Kinley. She is further survived by her brother Terry (Maribeth) Garteski, sister-in-law Connie (Bob) Woolley and brother-in-law Dan (Pat) Walters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father-in-law, sister-in-law Bev, brother-in-law Harley and grandson Jeremy Walters on September 5, 2015.

A Catholic, Gloria found solace in her faith and will be remembered for her unwavering devotion. She will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on through the countless photographs, cherished gifts and the stories she shared. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and beautiful memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Gloria’s family would like to extend immense gratitude to the wonderful staff at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, as well as the staff at Season’s Hospice in Rochester for the exceptional care that Gloria received. Rest in peace dear Gloria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Father Jonathon Fasnacht will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles.

Pallbearers will be Rick, Dion, Jamie, Jordan, Lori and Emily Walters.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles and again at the church one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gloria’s name, are greatly appreciated by the family and will be given to Parkinsons Foundation, Seasons Hospice or Chosen Valley Care Center.