Obituary of Gloria A. Wood

Gloria A. Wood Pine Bush, NY Gloria Aileen Wood, a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, entered into eternal rest on June 23rd at her daughter's home, after a brief but courageous struggle with cancer. She was 84 years old. Born on November 4, 1926 in Pine Bush, Gloria was the oldest daughter of the late Howard E. Mance, Sr. and Lovinia Cruver. She was married for 53 years to the late Charles Vernooy Wood. Gloria graduated Pine Bush High School; married and raised her family while waitressing at Sunnycroft Ranch and owned The Village Luncheonette in Pine Bush with her sister, Grace. She was active in the PTA, a Pythian Sister, an officer in the American Legion Auxiliary, a Deacon in the New Prospect Reformed Church, and very active in local politics, including chairmanship of the Republican Committee. She was Deputy Clerk for the Town of Crawford for several years, and served as Secretary for the Building Department and Planning Board in Pine Bush. She also served many years as the Clerk for the Orange County Court System. Gloria was a proud founding member of the Pine Bush Volunteer Ambulance Corps. She was most recently active with the Senior Citizens Group, attended and enjoyed being part of the Mountain View United Methodist Church for the past few years. She is survived by two daughters, Gloria Jean Mumper and husband Robert of New Paltz and Edythe S. LaCatena and husband Martin A. Sr. of Pine Bush, five grandchildren, David and Sarah Mumper, Martin Jr., Janelle, and Jarod LaCatena, and four great-grandsons. She was predeceased by her brother Howard E. Mance, Jr. and wife Martha, and brothers-in-law Richard Hornbeck and James A. Wood, Sr. Gloria leaves a large loving family that includes sisters Constance Hornbeck, Grace Hlavacek and husband Gerard, brothers Lester Mance and wife Deborah, Robert Mance and wife Sue, all of Pine Bush, and sister-in-law Margaret Wood of Rexford, NY, 19 nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. Additionally, Gloria was predeceased by her companion, Ronald Kuhne, Sr., and is survived by his son Ronald Kuhne, Jr. and daughter Deborah D' Aprille and husband Joe of Woodstock and their children, Marcel, Adrien, and Cambria. Gloria was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend who gave of herself to all. She enjoyed years of gardening, camping, traveling and spending winters in Florida. She was a terrific cook and loved to gather family and friends at her home. With abundant energy, she filled her days helping others. She will be greatly missed for her steadfast devotion to her family and friends. Cremation was private and held at the convenience of the family. A Memorial Service will be held at the Mountain View Methodist Church in Pine Bush on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:00am. Memorial contributions will be appreciated for Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550, and Mountain View United Methodist Church PO Box 238, Pine Bush, NY 12566. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com