YOUNGSTOWN – Gloria Flannery Crofford, 92, passed away quietly on Monday, August 19, 2013 after a prolonged illness.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. in St. Edward Church celebrated by Reverend James A. Clarke.
Gloria was born in Youngstown on July 6, 1921 to Martin and Margaret Noble Flannery.
Gloria, a lifetime resident of the valley, attended St. Ann School in Youngstown and Ursuline High School where she graduated in 1939.  Upon graduation, she attended Notre Dame de Namur in Washington, D.C. for a yearlong secretarial program and graduated in 1940.  Gloria returned home to take up the position of secretary to the Chief Metallurgist at Republic Steel in Warren, Ohio.  It was at Republic Steel where Gloria met her husband of 48 years, Robert S. Crofford.
Gloria and Bob were married on October 12, 1946 in St. Ann Church in Youngstown.  Bob and Gloria raised their six children on the North Side of Youngstown.  Bob passed away on January 10, 1995.
Gloria was employed at J.C. Penny in the Liberty Plaza.  She then was employed as an Admitting Officer at North Side Hospital for 17 years.
Gloria was a long time member of St. Edward Parish and belonged to the St. Edward Prayer Group.  When her children attended Ursuline High School, Gloria was secretary of the Parent Teachers Association.  Gloria lived at the Inn at Christine valley from 2007 until recent months.  Gloria enjoyed playing cards and mingling with her friends at the Inn.
She leaves to cherish her memory on daughter, Kathleen (Donald) Bouquet of Liberty; four sons, Martin (Lori) Crofford of Liberty, Jerry (Elaine) Crofford of Glen Gardner, N.J., Chuck (Jeanne) Crofford of Akron and John (Patty) Crofford of North Canton.  Her oldest son, Bob M. Crofford passed away on March 31, 2000 and his wife Paula is deceased.   Gloria also leaves 17 grandchildren, Greg (Heather) Crofford, Susan (Nathan) Jones, Megan Crofford, Erin Bouquet, Liam Bouquet, Elizabeth (Tim) Hall, Todd (Angela) Crofford, Allison Crofford, Patrick (Mary) Crofford, Katie (Jason) Eck, Colleen Crofford, Sean Crofford, Michael Crofford, Kevin Crofford, Chelsea Crofford, Jessica Crofford and Andrew Crofford.  There are 14 great grandchildren.  Gloria also leaves two sisters, Grace (Frank) Gallagher of Youngstown and Margene (Paul) Chambers of Canfield.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today at St. Edward Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown and the family and friends will gather Thursday morning at 11a.m. for the Funeral Mass.

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