Lenore “Gloria” Barabas passed away July 14th, 2020, at the age of 97. She was born November 13, 1922, to Frank and Elsa (Wilhelmi ) Samel in Freeport IL. Frank Samel served in WWI where he met and married Elsa from Cologne Germany. Together they returned to the United States. Frank and Elsa settled in Freeport IL where they lived for many years and had two children – Gloria and 6 years later Myrna. When Gloria was 8 her mother and Rudy’s mother both decided to travel by ocean liner with their children back to Germany to visit. On board the ship the mothers met, became friends, and continue to stay in touch and occasionally arrange to visit. At the age of 16, Gloria knew that Rudy was the man for her. They married at the age of 20 in Chicago IL and soon after he left to serve in WW2. Before children, Gloria worked at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago for the Defense Department. Later they had two children – Deanna and Gregory who became the center of her life. She was continually active in school related activities such as being a room mother and helping with field trips. Gloria also was active for many years in Altar Guild at their Lutheran Church. Once the children were grown and out of college, she volunteered at a local hospital in the pharmacy department. Rudy retired at the age of 58 which allowed them many years to travel to various places such as Alaska and Europe; to enjoy many February’s in Casey Key Florida; and every summer at the family cabin in Hayward WI. Gloria deeply loved her children and over the years spent much time with family and friends. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her.
Gloria of Forney, TX is survived by daughter Deanna Durham and Lorenzo Elzie of Cedarburg Wi; by son Gregory Barabas and wife Joyce of Forney, TX; grandchildren Durenda Durham and husband Burt of Independence, MO and Amberlee Wolgamott of Blue Springs, MO; and great grandchildren Damien Wolgamott of Blue Springs, MO, Brianna Durham and Aidan Durham both of Independence, MO. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rudy and her sister, Myrna Cowan and her husband Frank.
Private funeral services will be held at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home — Rockwall location. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Gloria’s memory can be made to the Northwoods Humane Society, PO Box 82, Hayward, WI 54843.
