Gloria Pellegrini - Obituary

LORIA FRANCES PELLEGRINI March 5, 1912 – June 3, 2011 Gloria Frances Masco was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to loving parents Andrew Masco and Mary (Mamie) O’Donnell. She was the third of five children – Bob, Kathryn, Gloria, Marjorie and Phyllis. She moved with her family to Northwest Washington, D.C. in the early 1930’s. While working as a stenographer for the government, Gloria went on a blind date with a young medical student from Georgetown University, Frank Pellegrini. Their dance that night led to a long and loving marriage of sixty-three years. Begun in secret on September 7, 1940 – marriage was frowned on for interns at Providence Hospital at the time – Frank and Gloria’s partnership included five early years as an Army couple, before they settled at 3409 Alabama Avenue, in Southeast Washington, D.C. Frank practiced family medicine in his basement office, while Gloria made the house a home for their growing family – Patricia (“Twisy, Pattie), born October 7, 1944; Phyllis (“Pammie, Pammie-ella”), born September 13, 1947; and Barbara (“Barbie”), born October 11, 1954. Gloria was known for years as the hostess of holiday celebrations and birthday parties for family, extended family and friends. A true woman of her time, Gloria enjoyed bridge, bowling, dancing at the Club and spike-heeled springolators. She read Agatha Christie, watched Perry Mason, and was an active member of the Providence Hospital Auxiliary. Gloria eschewed sports and only with great reluctance donned a Girl Scout leader’s uniform, yet she was a strong and formative role model for her girls and their many friends who were always welcome on Alabama Ave, and later at the family home in Fort Washington, Maryland. Well before another famous Gloria (Steinem) made feminism a household word, our Gloria ensured that her girls developed strong self-images, grounded in respect for self, respect for others and always, respect for family. As much a caregiver as a homemaker, Gloria lovingly cared for her parents who lived with her until they passed away in 1953 and 1956. She cared for her sister and her sisters-in-law during prolonged illnesses. Any extended family member having personal difficulties found good counsel and practical assistance with Gloria. Social, funny and irreverent by nature, Gloria and her beloved Frank led an active life, with many friends and memorable travels. Their annual month’s vacation in Bethany Beach was the highlight of the year. Never one to sit on the beach or even dip a toe in the ocean, Gloria enjoyed the company of friends and visitors – the Hashims, Thibadeaus, Allmans, Paoluccis, Pistolases, Cardarellis – such good times, so much laughter! Although reluctant at first to tear down the “old” beach house and rebuild, Gloria spent some of her happiest moments in the “new” house -- the grandest, most beautiful at the beach, in her oft-shared, opinion. In March, 1967 Gloria found her true calling with the birth of her first grandchild – Kathy Kaufman. As more grandchildren followed – Beth Kaufman; Matt, Susan and Casey Oetgen; Patrick, Kate and Michael Dougherty – Gloria refined “grandmothering” to an art. She held each baby for hours on end; bathed each in her kitchen sink; treated all to countless trips to Toys-R-Us and Red Lobster; cared for every one as they suffered the illnesses and physical scrapes of childhood; and counseled each as she or he navigated the rocky shoals of adolescence and young adulthood. Her signature blend of loyalty, honesty and unconditional love was, and remains today, her gift of priceless value to each grandchild. Gloria’s world was her family. She was loving and loyal; decidedly unsentimental; direct and honest in her opinions and advice. She believed that how you treat one in life is infinitely more important than what you say about her in death. She was blessed with a long and happy life. She leaves a legacy of love and laughter, and she will be forever cherished by her grateful, loving family. On Friday, June 3, 2011 at her home in Fort Washington, MD. The beloved wife of the late Dr. Frank S. Pellegrini; mother of Pat Kaufman, Pam Oetgen and Barbara Sezna; grandmother of Kathryn Calzini, Beth Royle, Matthew, Susan and Casey Oetgen, Patrick, Kathleen and Michael Dougherty; mother-in-law of Dr. Louis V. Kaufman, Dr. William J. Oetgen and Davis Sezna. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Pellegrini’s Life Celebration at St. Mary’s Catholic Church(chapel), Piscataway, 13401 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD on Monday, June 13 from 9:30am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Frank S. Pellegrini, M.D. Medical Student Endowment Fund, MedStar Health Research Institute, 6525 Belcrest Road, Suite 700, ATTENTION: Dr. Neil Weissman, Hyattsville, MD 20782