Gloria Jean Pendrake

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Gloria Jean Pendrake nee Napolitano.  Gloria was the selfless and most loyal mother of Ann Ragosta (Cotellesso) of Walpole, MA; Kristin Monty (Cotellesso) of Villa Rica, GA; and Paul Cotellesso of Yellow Springs, OH.  Gloria is survived by her grieving siblings Christine Khalil of Pembroke; Stephen Napolitano of Holliston; Jeanne Adams-Bailey of Washington, DC; Paul Napolitano of Sandwich; Joseph Napolitano of Attleboro; and Mark Napolitano of Hanover.  Gloria also leaves behind her cherished sisters-in-law Jackie Napolitano, Kathy Napolitano and Joannie Napolitano.   Gloria was predeceased by her parents Joseph F. Napolitano and Gloria C. DioDato, as well her 2nd husband, Ronald Pendrake.

Gloria was the most devoted of grandmothers, preferring to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren Jacqueline Cotellesso, Gianna Ragosta, Michela Ragosta, Angelina Ragosta, Kevin Cotellesso and Kathryn Cotellesso.  Gloria delighted in watching all her grandchildren’s accomplishments, even if it was a very bad cartwheel or a song sung off-key.  Gloria spent countless hours playing with and teaching her grandchildren how to read and knit.  Gloria would drop everything if needed, whether to pick up someone from daycare/school; drive them to appointments, work or soccer; or sit by a sickbed. Gloria even left her own bed at 11 pm one night when one of her teenage granddaughters thought she heard a burglar in the house - Gloria drove over to check every nook and cranny to make sure all was safe.  In her mind, her greatest life achievement was her grandchildren.  Jackie, Gianna, Mickey, Angie, Kevin and Katie were given the magnificent gift of having Gloria as part of their lives.

Gloria was a wonderful aunt to her many nieces and nephews. she loved them and was active in their lives, taking many of them under her wing because they were special to her. They will dearly miss her.

Gloria married and became a mother at a very young age.  But those circumstances spurred her to work hard and become an independent and strong woman.  Gloria waitressed at Anthony’s Pier 4 in South Boston and while working there, studied and became a certified court stenographer in the Boston court system – her children fondly recall her swishing away on her Stenograph Steno-Lectric machine.   When her children entered junior high school, Gloria became the Principal’s Secretary at Ayer Junior High School, following her children to high school where she then worked as the Principal’s Secretary at Ayer High School.  After her children graduated, Gloria worked in the Middlesex County Court system for 20 years as an Administrative Assistant in the district courts at Ayer, Cambridge and Marlborough.

In the most recent years, Gloria was a fixture at the Norwood and Westwood Senior Centers where she was renowned for her skill at Mahjong.  Gloria loved the game and was a fierce competitor – just ask any of the many Mahjong players who played the game with her!

Gloria taught 3rd grade CCD and Confirmation classes at St. Catherine’s Church in Norwood.  Gloria’s Catholic faith was so strong and she wanted to teach the faith to young children so they could keep it with them as adults.

Gloria was many things to many people in her life: mother, sister, wife, friend, aunt, daughter.   Gloria’s belief that she was going to be with God when she died was a testament to her never wavering faith.  It was this faith that provided her loved ones with the strength to let her go.  As she told us near the end, “I can’t wait to see God and kiss his feet”. 

Rest in Peace, Ma.

A memorial mass for Gloria will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond St. Walpole, MA. 02081.

Immediately following the mass, all are invited to a luncheon collation at the Italian American Club, 109 Stone St. Walpole, MA, 02081. All are respectfully invited to attend and share in your memories of Gloria.

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