Gloria DeGeorge McLaughlin

Gloria Jean DeGeorge McLaughlin (nee Sasso) died on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at National Church Residence’s Lincoln Village in Columbus Ohio.  She is survived by her children James DeGeorge (Patricia) of Nalcrest Florida, Christine DeGeorge of Castro Valley California and Donna DeGeorge (Susan Ritchie) of Columbus Ohio; brother Franklin Sasso (Joyce) of Fairview, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Kimberly DeGeorge Mueller (Adam) of Chugiak Alaska, Michele DeGeorge of Grand Island New York, Sherry DeGeorge of Lakeshore Florida; great-granddaughter Emily Westfall of Grand Island, New York and several nieces and nephews.   She is predeceased by her mother Emma Sasso, husbands James DeGeorge (married 1945-1973) and John (known as Jack) MacLaughlin (married 1975-1992); brother David Sasso (known as Victor Preston) and sister Mary Sasso.

Gloria was born in Ashtabula, Ohio on September 18, 1926.  She had a successful career as a buyer and store manager for Carlisle-Allen’s Department Store, Jo-Anne Fabrics, and Ross Department Store.  She had begun working as a sales clerk for Carlisle-Allen and was quickly promoted.  She especially enjoyed buying trips to New York City.

She liked travel, and trips to California to visit her daughter, as well as Costa Rica and Italy with her brother Frank and sister in law Joyce, were special highlights.   She also appreciated outings to casinos, where she had a special way with the Wheel of Fortune.  She valued plays, movies, and when she could, attending concerts of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  While in Columbus, she spent several rewarding years volunteering at Saint Ann’s Hospital’s nursery, work for which she won an award.

Gloria was known for her love of animals (dogs in particular, grand dogs Valentino, Riley and Zack especially) and her skillful cooking and baking.  This time of year, the family is remembering and appreciating how hard she worked to make the holidays delicious and special.

She was a spirited, courageous, and fiercely independent individual who spoke her mind.  She is greatly missed by family and friends.

At Gloria’s request, there will be no memorial service.  In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor her memory are invited to make a donation in her name to the pet food bank program at the Clintonville Resource Center (14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus Ohio, 43202). The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff at Lincoln Village and National Church Residence Hospice program for their excellent and warm caregiving in her final years.