Gloria Apsley

Gloria Apsley

Gloria’s early childhood took her to Kelowna, British Columbia, where she and her younger sister, Zenna, lived with their grandparents during the Depression. She often spoke fondly of those years, remembering the warmth of her grandparents’ home, the beauty of Kelowna, and the deep bond she shared with Zenna, even as she missed her mother dearly. When her mother found stable work in Seattle, the girls reunited with her and settled first in Capitol Hill and later near Green Lake. Gloria attended Daniel Bagley Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942.

In 1943, she married Leonard Grant Hess, and became the proud mother of four children: Steven, Roger, Melanie, and Lianne. Gloria poured herself into motherhood and community. She served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, a Camp Fire Girls leader, and President of the PTA. She was instrumental in establishing the library at F.A. MacDonald Elementary, a project she remained proud of throughout her life.

Gloria was sharp‑witted, stylish, funny without realizing it, and had a stubborn streak her family remembers with a smile. She loved fashion and remained impeccably stylish throughout her life, always put together, always herself. She enjoyed gardening, reading, watching movies, traveling, and was also an accomplished Bridge player. Her sense of adventure and curiosity stayed with her throughout her life. She cherished her friendships, many of whom began in childhood, and stayed closely connected to the people she loved.

After her divorce in 1962, Gloria volunteered at the Seattle World’s Fair and began a long career with Pacific Northwest Bell, retiring in 1984. In 1965, she married Clarence Apsley, the love of her life. Their 30 years together were filled with travel, road trips, gatherings with friends, and the joy of watching their family grow. Gloria delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, each of whom brought her tremendous happiness.

Gloria taught her family resilience and independence, not through speeches but through the way she lived. She faced challenges with strength, embraced joy with gratitude, and carried herself with grace and humor.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her sister Zenna, and her sons Steven and Roger.

Gloria embodied the best qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and a generosity that touched everyone who knew her. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a woman whose presence made life brighter. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the countless lives she quietly enriched. Her family will forever miss her strength, her humor, and the deep sense of love and steadiness she brought to their lives.