Gloria Cichy

SUTTON/MILLBURY - On June 18, 2021, Gloria A. Cichy, 84, passed into eternal rest, surrounded by her loving daughters and son.

Born in Worcester to Joseph and Julia (Bakanas) Sinkavich, she attended Worcester public schools, graduating from Commerce High School in 1956. While in school, Gloria was a member of the Lithuanian War Veteran’s Drum Corps. Immediately after graduating, she worked in the Drafting Department at Norton Abrasives until her marriage to Francis M. Cichy in 1958. Gloria and her husband built their home in Sutton where they raised their six children.

Gloria was a devoted mother to Susan M. (Stuart) of North Brookfield, Francis J. (Cheryl) of St. Augustine Beach, FL, Julia M. of St. Augustine Beach, FL, Paula J. (Mark) of Hernando, FL & Linda F. (David) of Southboro, and son, Martin E. who predeceased her in 2006. Gloria leaves behind her grandchildren, Daniel, Sophia, Mario, Alexandra, Harrison & Mitchell. Additionally, she lavished love on great-grandchildren, Kyle and Robinson. Gloria’s sisters Julia of North Oxford, Cynthia of Charlton, and Rita of Worcester who predeceased her in 2017. She leaves many nieces and nephews and cousins.

She loved dancing, bowling, puzzles, crocheting as well as working weekly Bingo at St. Mark’s. In recent years travelling to Florida to winter in St. Augustine Beach with her family was a high point. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, enjoying the cultural offerings those bus trips offered.

In 1964, she was a founding member of St. Mark’s, the first Catholic Church in Sutton. Gloria's life was enriched by her strong Catholic faith made stronger by her close association with St. Mark’s parish where she enjoyed participating in its ecumenical life.

Gloria worked for the parish under the pastors, Frs. Walsh, Horgan & O’Toole, retiring after several years and then continued at St. Mark’s volunteering in the following Ministries: The Prayer Shawl and the Sewing Ministries, where fundraising for the Chain Of Lights was a high point during Advent. It was here in a retail setting that Gloria excelled: the Chain of Lights fundraiser was always a fruitful experience. The friends Gloria made became life-long.

These relationships came full circle in recent months as Gloria’s health deteriorated. Her friends from her shared ministries were lovingly called “Gloria’s Angels” who became a lifeline in the final month. Gloria made clear to her family & friends she treasured visits while she was alive rather than the alternative.  She called this time her “Living wake”. During May & June, her friends volunteered to spend an hour or two with her, where they all made splendid memories.

Gloria made friends fast and easy and that included her nursing team: Meagan, RN Maggie, LISW & Bernice, MA of Jewish Healthcare Hospice. In addition, Gloria’s geriatrician, Dr. Mary Gulla and her medical assistant Pam have been an integral part of her healthcare over decades & our family is indebted to them for their care and compassion.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gloria’s life by gathering for her Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 23rd at 11 a.m. in St. Mark’s Church, 356 Boston Road in Sutton.  Burial will follow in Howard Cemetery, Sutton.

In lieu of flowers, please know Gloria had requested that any and all donations be made to the

St. Mark’s Church Prayer Shawl Ministry or the St. Mark’s Church Bereavement Committee at 356 Boston Road, Sutton, MA 01590.