Alma Violet Gliha

Alma Violet Gliha, 77, of Manchester, peacefully passed away Sunday, (September 14, 2003) after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Alma was born in Boston, MA on November 29, 1925. As a young girl Alma attended school in Brooklyn, NY and Bay Roberts, Newfoundland. After moving to Hartford, Alma was employed by The Hartford Insurance Co. between 1945 and 1952. There she met her soul-mate and loving husband Fred who predeceased her and passed away at the young age of 50 in 1972. After Fred's passing Alma worked at Iona Manufacturing for eight years while raising her sons. Alma will always be remembered for her sense of humor, wit, and quiet wisdom that she passed on to all who loved her. She was a great listener, never judging, and a person from whom we all learned a great lesson. Alma was an avid baseball fan who enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in the game for 45 years until her illness prevented her from attending these cherished events. She was also a faithful Boston Red Sox fan who never missed a game. Alma's passing will leave a great void in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be truly missed by her loving family; children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and beloved friends. Alma is survived by her four sons; Fred and his wife Karen of Manchester, Dennis and his wife Kathy of Vernon, Paul and his wife Michele of East Hampton, and Raymond (who provided countless years of loving care) and Ruth Wassik and her son Jimmy of Manchester. Alma, lovingly referred to as Mimi by her family and friends, leaves sorrow in the hearts of her grandchildren; Ryan, Jaime and Nissa of Manchester, Kimmy and Shawn of Vernon, and Benjamin and Christopher of East Hampton. Alma is also survived by several brothers and sisters; Wallace Mercer of Newington, Dorothy Christensen and her husband Gail of East Hartford, Elizabeth Janoscak and her husband George of Manchester, Nancy Laughlin of Bloomfield, and Fred French and his wife Marie of Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, Canada. She is also predeceased by a brother, Ralph Mercer. Alma will also be missed dearly by her special friend Susan Hart and "Big Mo" buddy Connie Connelly of Manchester. The family extends their greatest appreciation to Dr. Joseph Hanna of Manchester, for his care, patience and unwavering concern during Alma's long illness. A special thanks is also extended to the nursing staff in the CICU unit at Manchester Memorial Hospital for their never-ending care, compassion and sense of humor given to Alma. Funeral service will be Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Episcopal Church, 41 Park Street, Manchester. Burial will follow in East Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester on Thursday from 5-8 p.m.. Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurses and Home Services, 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT 06066

Published in The Hartford Courant on Sept. 16, 2003