Gloria Belanger

Gloria A. Belanger, age 86, a resident of Lathrup Village, died May 15, 2013 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She was born February 27, 1927 in Detroit. She is survived by her younger sister, Noreen Haggerty, of Chicago, IL and a host of nieces and nephews. Gloria Ann Hackett met and married her high school sweetheart, Irving J. Belanger, in 1949. His work made them world travelers. They lived a charmed life and were extremely happy. Irv died in 1997 and left a deep void in Gloria's life. Gloria, often to the last, stated her desire to be with Irv and her parents, Francis W. and Josephine M. Hackett. She knew that her brothers Donald and Edward, with sisters Mary Dostal and June denBoer would be waiting for her. Gloria was a lifelong Catholic and Irv served as an usher. Gloria and Irv lived in the Lathrup Village home her father built in the early 1950's. Both Gloria and Irv cared for Frank and Jo until their deaths in 1979 and 1983. Gloria loved her home and kept it exactly the way her mother liked it, with very few changes. She loved her picturesque neighborhood. She thrived on the thoughtful assistance provided by neighbors Susan Arneson and her husband Allen Weaks. They have lived next door for years. Across the street, the kindness shared by Beverly Hibbler, who often inquired about Gloria to "just check on her", and gifted her in many thoughtful and meaningful ways. Another neighbor Rick and Babbett Staton; Rick always brought in the emptied garbage and recycle containers to save Gloria the steps she could no longer manage. Then there was the long time mail carrier, who until his retirement, always brought the mail to the door, never the box, saving Gloria steps. It was no wonder why she never wanted to move on to the assisted living she needed a few years back. The picture above was taken at her prime in the 1960's. Her soul and spirit is even prettier. She will be missed. Most of her long-term friends are gone now, friends like Ivan and Betty Ross of Birmingham. Ivan has passed, but Betty is a true friend and the last to see Gloria prior to her latest Illness. The cause of death was age related and COPD. Don't smoke it is not worth it. All things considered, when Irv died in 1997 she mourned and now has died from a broken heart. Mrs. Belanger will lie in state Monday 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass 10 a.m. at the Church of the Transfiguration in Southfield. Burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield. Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak, 348-541-7000. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.