Gloria F. Von Eberstein

September 24, 1924 - October 22, 2021

Gloria Frances Von Eberstein, beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died Friday, October 22, 2021, in her home in Royal Oak, Michigan. She was 97 years old. Her brother, Tony was with her at the time of her passing. Gloria had many family members visit and stay with her in the days preceding her death. Gloria Frances Bronzo was born in Flint, Michigan on September 24, 1924. After graduating High school, she moved to East Lansing to attend Michigan State College. In her freshmen year, she met John (Jack) Von Eberstein, her future husband. When getting to know one another, she asked Jack if he liked to dance, Gloria loved to go dancing! His reply was, “no, I’m an athlete and I don’t need to know how to dance.” Gloria could be persuasive and persistent. Jack did indeed learn to dance. WWII interrupted their courtship when Jack was drafted and served 27 months in the US Army. They remained committed to one another. Shortly after he was discharged in March, 1946, Gloria and Jack were married on July 13, 1946 in Flint, Michigan. In her post college years, Gloria went on to teach grade school and Jack returned to college while working part-time during their early years of marriage. Following Jack’s graduation from college, the young couple moved to Royal Oak, Michigan. Gloria found a teaching position at Northwood Elementary School and Jack went to work at his father’s insurance business. She thrived as a teacher, having been assigned 2-kindergarten classes the first year in Royal Oak, Gloria challenged herself to memorize all their names (first and last) and she says she succeeded! More recently, when her memory was beginning to fail, she’d recall her prowess in the classroom and express dismay with the shortcomings that accompany aging. Gloria’s accomplishments were many. She volunteered to drive special needs children to school and home each day. She continued to help even after she became a mother. She successfully raised her five children while managing a home and helping her husband meet and entertain clients. Gloria was Jack’s partner in life and business too. She did love to socialize, dance and simply be charming. In this way, she was Jack’s early version of social media. Together, they created a wonderful family home — so wonderful in fact, it became The Hub where the neighborhood kids would congregate. Gloria knew how to keep an eye on her kids; Build it and they will come. A finished recreation room equipped with games, music, food and drink — it was the Von Eberstein Fun House for years. Family was important to Gloria, she maintained strong ties, especially with her brother Tony, his wife Mary Lee and their two children, Michael and Andrea, both of whom are adults with families of their own. Generous with her time and skills, she did her best to help any family member in need. Her mother’s only brother, Tom, came to live with Gloria and Jack and their five kids when he could no longer take care of himself. Tom lived with their family for several years, she somehow made the time to care for her Uncle Tom until his death. She honed several methods to accomplish whatever task was put before her, caring for so many was one, fine skill. Jack passed away in December, 2006 leaving Gloria on her own for the very first time in her life. She had never been on her own, she always lived with family. Although she was capable and fit, this was the time when her kids made an effort, each in their own way, to keep her company and be there for her. Gloria mastered life on her own and continued to live in the apartment she once shared with Jack for the next fifteen years. Four of her five children survived Gloria, her oldest son, Harle Anthony, preceded her in death, a 10th generation Von Eberstein, he died August, 2003. Harle and his wife, Mary (Gainer) Von Eberstein, had two children. Daughter, Erika (Michael) Houston and a son, Ian Von Eberstein. Erika and husband Mike produced Gloria’s two great grandchildren, William (Liam) and daughter, Harle Grace. Gloria’s son, John Kurt Von Eberstein and wife, Janet (Matera) Von Eberstein were Gloria’s main care givers for the past several years. Their presence, not to mention willingness to be there for her, allowed Gloria to live independently in her home until she was 96 years of age. This was gift. Gloria recognized this and told me on many occasions how much she loved and appreciated the care and social inclusion she received from Kurt and her daughter-in-law, Janet. Her eldest daughter, Ruth Ann Von Eberstein married Eric Durak and they have two children, a daughter, Alexandra Nicole and son, Peter, both of whom are now adults. Ruth moved to southern California after graduating college, but made a point of vacationing each summer in Michigan when their kids were young so they could spend time with their grandparents and get to know all their family in the Midwest. Daughter Gloria Christina (Tina) Defraties married Andrew Defraties and they also have two children, both daughters. The oldest, Andrea and the youngest, Anna. Tina often took time to call and check-in with Gloria and simply hear about her day. There were occasional lunches and dinners together. Traditionally, Gloria shared Christmas dinner at the Defraties home. Gina Marie Stepanovich, the youngest of the five kids and the winner of producing the most grandchildren to Gloria. Gina married Joseph Stepanovich and together they raised four children — until Joe’s sudden, premature passing. From oldest to youngest, John, Paul, Michael and Gloria, named after her Nonna Gloria. They call Beulah, Michigan home, although John serves in the Navy and is in his third year of active duty, and Michael joined the Marines following his high school graduation this past summer. He’s now in basic training in the South-East. When life slowed down for Gloria and there was time to reflect about her past, she would often say to whoever would listen, what a great life she has had — and based on what I do know about her childhood and young adult life and later, married life, it lacked for nothing. She had friends, family, many interests, lots of memorable times and most importantly, her health. These proclamations “of a good life,” make it a little easier to let Gloria go and not feel the depth of sorrow one would normally feel now that she’s gone. Thanks for that Gloria. Your family loves you dearly and you will be missed. I like to think Noel, Alexandra’s sweet, tail-wagging dachshund, greeted you when you arrive. A Celebration of Life will take place on November 13, 2021 at William Sullivan Funeral Home. Visitation: 10 – 11:30 AM Memorial Service: 11:30 AM In place of flowers, Gloria asked that a donation be made to the Royal Oak School Foundation, visit: royaloakschoolsfoundation.org