Gloria

Vena

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Gloria Vena, a beloved soul who graced our lives with warmth, kindness, and an enduring spirit. Born on December 28, 1934, Gloria's journey came to a peaceful close on December 30, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.  Gloria was married for 41 years to Norman Vena, who died on May 30, 2001. Gloria and Norman were parents to their sons Mark, Keith (husband to Mary Ann Vena), David (husband to Amy Vena), and their daughter Adrienne (wife to John Markisz). Gloria was a sister to Marie Bucco, Jean Buscema, and Lorraine Fiore-Browne.

Gloria was a pillar of strength for her family and friends. Her compassionate nature touched the lives of all fortunate enough to know her. Her radiant smile and gentle demeanor created an atmosphere of joy, making her presence a source of comfort for those in need. Throughout her 89 years, Gloria forged enduring connections, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing their lives with her.

Gloria was a devoted mother and cherished grandmother to Christopher Markisz, Jackie Markisz, Emily Vena (wife to Jake Nieschmidt), and Alex Vena. Gloria's nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate circle to touch the lives of many in her community. A graduate of the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in the 1950s, she had a successful pre-marriage solo career as an administrative assistant for a large Madison Avenue advertising company and an entrepreneurial career after her children graduated from high school. She undoubtedly inherited her entrepreneurial spirit from her father, Joseph Fiore, who opened several highly successful Italian gourmet food stores in Brooklyn, Hoboken, and Cliffside Park. She opened a first-of-its-kind word processing business in the late 1980s that inspired her children, who ultimately pursued careers in tech and business.

In celebrating Gloria Vena's life, let us remember the joy she brought, the love she shared, and the profound difference she made in those around her. As we mourn her passing, may we find solace in the cherished memories and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. There will be no one else like her.

A remembrance wake will be held at Macagna Funeral Home at 495 Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, on Friday, January 5th, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM. The funeral mass will be held at the chapel at Madonna Cemetery the following day, Saturday, January 6th, at 9:30 AM. Madonna Cemetery is located at 2070 Hoefleys Lane in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

In lieu of sending flowers, our mother would have been grateful for donations in her name to the Saint Gregory The Great Catholic Church in Bluffton, South Carolina, or St. David The King Catholic Church in Princeton Junction, New Jersey. Donations can be made via these links:

https://pushpay.com/g/stgregorythegreat

https://www.parishgiving.org/index?e=D22E5AD1DFEF0844A475FACACA4B28240ACFEB43810D74A1