Gloria Ann Smith

Gloria Ann Smith, 87, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aberdeen.

Burial is at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Aberdeen. 

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow the burial at the church hall.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation is one hour before Mass at the church.

Gloria Ann Smith was born to Joseph and Lily (George) Lapka on September 30, 1933 in Leola, SD. She graduated from Leola High School in 1951. 

Gloria was a country school teacher in the Leola area until 1955. She then moved to Aberdeen.  Gloria was united in marriage to Robert Smith in 1960 in Leola. She started working at Bates Men’s Clothing Store in Aberdeen and then began her 30-year career with Misters Menswear. She finished her retail career at The Main Clothing Store for Men before retiring. Gloria then worked with the CCD program for over 20 years for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She dedicated her time and efforts into being a very active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Altar Society Band 6. Gloria was an active volunteer for Roncalli Nearly New for several years.  Gloria was also an active member of Zonta, holding numerous board positions through the years.  

Gloria and Bob enjoyed their summers relaxing at their cabin on Pickerel Lake with their Pickerel Lake friends. She also enjoyed needlework, making jewelry and canning.

Grateful for having shared Gloria’s life are her sister: Janice (Jim) Thornton of Shakopee, MN, and sisters-in-law: Bonnie (Rich) LaBay of Aberdeen, SD, Donna Smith of Sioux City, IA, Julie Sharp of Aberdeen, SD, Kathy (Berry) Decker of Greenfield, WI; brother-in-law, Doug (Kristi) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD. Gloria was a very special aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Robert M. Smith; parents, Joseph and Lily Lapka; and one brother, Kenneth Lapka.

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