100 years young!
Mill Creek Assisted Living resident hits century mark
Gloria Mae Gurlea celebrates her 100th birthday. (Courtesy photo)
Gloria Mae Gurlea is seen in her earlier years. (Courtesy photos)
Gloria Mae Gurlea celebrates her 100th birthday. (Courtesy photo)
Gloria Mae Gurlea is seen in her earlier years. (Courtesy photos)
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MARQUETTE -- Gloria Mae Gurlea, a lifelong daughter of the Upper Peninsula, will celebrated her 100th birth-day on Friday. Born in 1926, to Maurice and Katherine Connor, she grew up in the Gwinn area and graduated from Gwinn High School in 1944.
In 1949, Gloria enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Washington, D.C. area, where she served on Nebraska Avenue supporting national defense efforts during the Korean War. While in Washington, she met U.S. Army Corporal Victor Gurlea and the two married in 1951.
After her honorable discharge from the Navy, Gloria spent the next two decades traveling the world with Victor as he built a career in the army. Together they raised two sons, Tim and Paul, while living a life shaped by service, resilience and adventure.
The Gurleas returned home to the U.P.in 1969, settling in New Swanzy. Today, at 100 years old, Gloria remains part of that same community as a resident of Mill Creek Assisted Living.
Throughout her century of life, Gloria has been defined by her devotion to God, family and country, values she continues to embody every day.