Obituary of Glorya Nanne

How do you leave a life well lived?  Courageously, without regret, surrounded by love.  Glorya did just that on Thursday, November 21, 2024, one month short of her 96th birthday.  Her passing breaks the hearts of many, but in particular her children Toni Nanne-Little (Larry), Karen Rebellato (Dennis) and Paul Nanne (Joanne), and her grandchildren Jeff Little (Danielle), Kristen Little, Brianne Oliveira (Mike), Jake Rebellato (Beth), Carly Zielinski (Mike), Lauren Nanne and Jenna Nanne. Her eight great grandchildren knew her as Granny or GG and they held a special place in her heart: Brooke, Seth, Lucas, Owen, Millie, Leo, Max and Sophie will miss her presence.  How she loved face-timing, watching their hockey games or visiting with them to find out what they were doing.  They truly enriched the last chapter of her life!

In her final days, she consoled us reminding us that she lived a good life that began in 1928 with her birth to Palma and Enrico Esposti, shoemakers on James Street.  She was predeceased by her husband Orman Nanne in 1994, siblings Yolanda (John) Quinn, Mary (Felix) Marelli, Derno (Dorothy) Esposti, Terri Marello, Enzo (Eileen) Esposti and Rudy Esposti.  Also predeceased by sisters- and brothers-in law Jim and Eva McCurry, Alphonse Nanni, Elsie and Arnold Perry, Terry and June Nanne, Ellen and Gerry Hutchison, and John Nanni.  She is fondly remembered by sister-in-law Marion Nanni, many nieces and nephews, and her neighbours on Sussex Road.

A strong and fiercely independent woman, she lived on her own until just a week before her passing. In her youth, she was the star back catcher on the women’s softball team, Erzi’s Girls. She went on to enjoy a long career as a journalist/writer with the Sault Star and various trade magazines. Her syndicated column, Home Brew, was read and enjoyed by many.  She shared her talents as a writer with the Regional Pastoral Council, received the Diocesan Medal of Merit for Communications and contributed to the Oral History of Sault Ste. Marie.

She was deeply involved in her community, serving on numerous boards, including the Humane Society, the Sault Ste. Marie Safety Council and made history as the first female trustee on the separate school board.

She was a voracious reader, a seasoned traveler, a skilled poker player/shark (aka “Silver Fox”), a movie critic, a cancer survivor, and a tireless attendee at her grandkids’ and great grandkids’ dance recitals, hockey games and other sporting events.  She was a good friend and an inspiration to many.

In 95 years, she was all these things.  A very good life, indeed.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the caring and compassionate nursing staff at SAH on 3B and Drs. Jarrett, Bowen and Kargbo.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Veronica’s Church (559 Douglas Street) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Peter Nwachukwu officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund or the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.  Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). 

“No one ever dies until there is no one left to remember.  And when there is no one left to remember, it means we are all together again.”