Gloria Louise Biafore

Biafore, Gloria Louise. Age 87. April 20, 2024. Beloved wife of the late John. Loving mother of Lori (Robert) Campion, John (Sylvia) Biafore, Marianne (Paul) Solomon, and Mike (Ann) Biafore. Proud and loving grandmother of Kimberly (Kyle) Houston, Kyle (Alexis) Campion, Robert (Alyse) Campion, Andrew (Alicia) Biafore, Gabriella Biafore, Kate (Mark) Zuccario, Matt (Claire Sickon) Biafore, Michael Biafore, Rachel (Lucas) Riberio, and Grace Biafore. Dear great-grandmother of Mariella, Mackenzie, Emma, Riley, Leo, Andie, and Luca. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Gloria was born the youngest child of Italian immigrants in Windsor, Canada. At a young age, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan where she lived her childhood with her two siblings, Edward and Edna. Gloria graduated from Nativity High school and worked as a photographer’s model in her late teen years. It was in those years that she met the love of her life, John Biafore. Throughout their marriage, Gloria was a devoted home maker and mother to four children. She enjoyed cooking and keeping her beautiful home. Their friends and family knew that they were always welcome at the Biafore’s house. Gloria was thoughtful. She made note of people’s sorrows and joys by sending cards or appropriate gifts, and everyone recognized her uniquely beautiful handwriting. Gloria loved holidays, especially Christmas. She delighted in the family gathering, both large and more intimate, and was known for her generous and personal gifts that were always beautifully wrapped. She often became Santa’s helper at the large family parties so she could be the one to hand out the gifts. Her love of Christmas lights led to frequent travels every year to find the most spectacular displays. She enthusiastically participated in or led many of the activities and interests in her children’s lives including various sporting activities and numerous shopping indulgences with her daughters, Lori and Marianne. When her children got older, she participated in mothers club at Cardinal Mooney and was a eucharistic minister at St. Blaze. She busied herself with school activities and fund raisers. Later, when her children chose a college to attend, she became an avid Michigan State Spartan fan. Gloria had an entire collection of “Sparty” fanwear that she wore on football and basketball game days. Her favorite event being the March Madness basketball tournament. She was never without her laminated Spartan sport schedule near her television, so she didn’t miss a game. Gloria engaged in the community by joining the planning commission for Harrison Township and hosted fund-raising events for political candidates that respected the needs of her community. She was the catalyst for her husband’s success in business with her charismatic smile, beauty, and engaging social demeanor. She was admired for her sense of style. As John’s career progressed, they developed many business associates that became lifelong friends. Together with her friends, she enjoyed such activities as traveling, golfing, bowling, dining, and playing cards, but she would confess that her favorite social pastime was playing slots at the casino! Perhaps her most prized accomplishment was the knowledge that each of her children found their perfect spouse and presented her with ten beautiful grandchildren that became John and Gloria’s world. As an extended family, they shared thousands of joyful moments together both at the house in Harrison Twp. and on Lake St. Helen where John built a cottage large enough for the whole family to gather. Gloria loved cooking all the meals, but she was most known for her sweet tooth! Many cottage evenings ended in beautiful sunsets and the family favorite homemade waffles and ice cream. John and Gloria enjoyed a marriage of 48 years before he succumbed to cancer in 2006. Following his death, she continued to grieve his loss but honored his memory by becoming a guiding light for her ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Gloria’s life example of kindness, generosity, Italian traditions, and her love of bringing family and friends together are her legacy. Her family is at peace knowing that she will be reunited with John and our Lord for all eternity. Visitation will take place Monday, April 29th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons (54880 Van Dyke – Shelby Township). The Funeral Service will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church ( 54045 Schoenherr Rd – Shelby Township) on Tuesday, April 30th with Instate starting at 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10:15 am. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their “Online Guestbook” at WujekCalcaterra.com

Gloria Louise Biafore

September 11, 1936 - April 20, 2024