Gloria R. Gershenow, 79, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at Landis Homes in Lititz on Thursday, February 7, 2013 after a brief illness. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Kathryn Kennedy Gershenow.

Gloria graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Recreation Education, received a Master's Degree in Education from Temple University and attended the Lancaster Theological Seminary. She came to Lancaster after graduating from Penn State to work at the YWCA. Gloria taught at the Witmer Heights and Leola Elementary Schools in the Conestoga Valley School District for 32 years, retiring in 1994. She was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Literacy Council. A passionate Penn State fan and member of the Nittany Lion Club she enjoyed playing golf with the Overlook Ladies Golf League and working out with her friends at the fitness center.

Gloria was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

She was the last of her immediate family but will be missed by her dogs that she loved greatly, Benny and Keri, and her many friends from golf, fitness and Penn State.

Friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601 on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Gloria's memory to St. Thomas Episcopal Church at the above address or to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100