Gloria B. Spiess, 79, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully and surrounded by members of her family on March 26, 2016.
She is survived by her loving husband Ray of 53 years; son Randy Spiess (Heather); son Ray Spiess (Mary); granddaughters Erin and Megan; sister Jackie Jacobus; nieces Julie and Robyn; sister-in-law Sue Frauchiger (Paul); nephews Kurt and Karl, and niece Jennifer.
Spiess was born in Chicago to Dorothy and Harold Stedem. She had one sibling, her younger sister, Jackie. They grew up in Riverdale, Ill.
She graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1958, and began her career working for the Hyde Park Visiting Nurse Association. In 1978, she earned her master’s in nursing, which she taught (as well as practiced) in Illinois and neighboring Wisconsin.
While living in Hyde Park, she met and fell in love with Ray Spiess, a young, sales engineer graduate of Purdue University. They married in 1962 and moved into their first home on Myers Bay, Pistakee Lake. Seven years later, they moved into their house in Tower Lakes, Ill., where they raised their two boys, Randy and Ray, and remained for 45 happy years.
Spiess made friends easily and soon became active in her favorite sport of tennis but also golf and community events. She especially loved the family ski vacations in Winter Park, Colo., where many lasting memories were made.
In 2000, she and Ray moved to their new home in Vero Beach.
Then cancer reared its ugly head limiting her physical activities that she loved. She turned her inquisitive nature and natural curiosity to participate in book clubs, water color painting, playing bridge and studying her genealogy.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice/VNA, a truly wonderful organization.
A memorial celebration will be held at the Caledon Shores gathering room, 4600 Hwy A1A on Saturday, April 9, 1 to 5 p.m. Those wishing to honor Gloria’s life are welcome to attend.
Thomas Lowther Funeral Home is handling arrangements.