Gloria P. Thiela
Gloria P. Thiela, 100, of Madison, passed away peacefully on July 20 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Clement, of 69 years, and their son Ronald. Gloria is survived by a daughter-in-law, Harriet; and three grandchildren, Marcey, Jason, and Aaron, all of Middletown. She also leaves behind many close, dear friends.
Gloria was raised in Madison and attended schools there. She left Madison to attend business school in Massachusetts, where she met her husband. She was a military spouse for 28 years, while Clement served in the U.S. Air Force. They lived in many places in the United States and abroad before returning to Madison to make it their home. She truly loved Madison and enjoyed sharing stories about her childhood. For many years, Gloria was employed at the New Haven Register until her retirement. In 2020, she was proud to have been presented with the Madison Starfish Award in recognition of her kindness and compassion and her ability to make a difference in small ways.
Gloria was a kind and gentle soul. She loved animals, both domestic and wild. She fed the animals in her yard and enjoyed their regular visits. She also spent many afternoons admiring the birds that would come to eat at her feeders. Gloria was a frequent visitor of the Madison Senior Center where everyone knew, loved and admired her. On her 100th birthday, she was honored with a surprise birthday party. The celebration continued in the evening at a local restaurant where everyone there stood up and sang several rounds of Happy Birthday and again as she was leaving. She was truly flattered and honored.
Graveside services will be private. There will be celebration of her life at the Madison Senior Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2022. This celebration is open to everyone. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made in Gloria’s memory to the Scranton Memorial Library, at 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443 or Madison Ambulance Association, 9 Old State Hwy, Madison, CT 06443.