Maria Gloria Swerda

Maria Gloria Swerda, age 79, was born November 4, 1940 and died January 16, 2020 at Washington Hospital Center. Gloria was born to Attilio and Maria Santi, in Modena, Italy during the early part of WWII. Her early memories included gigging frogs, playing by the river and her little Nonino, whom she loved very much. In 1952 she boarded a ship bound for the U.S. by herself to meet her mom and brother. She was sick the whole way, but a common theme in her life was that it was filled with small blessings and kind people. The ship's stewards kept an eye on her and brought her ice cream. Once she met up with her mom, a kind woman at the train station gave Gloria her first Almond Joy. A new country and a new language, she was able to learn English from books that her schoolmates donated to her. Another theme in Gloria's life was that she would not let anyone push her around. Gloria found herself defending her sister and herself against neighborhood bullies. Graduating from Notre Dame Academy, she went to work for the United States Postal Service. At the Post Office, George Swerda beat out his friend for Gloria's affections. They married in 1964 and began their family. Gloria loved many things in life, but most of all her she loved her 5 children. She would move mountains for them. When she and George divorced in 1980, Gloria navigated the world with the support of her family and made it on her own . A couple of Gloria's traits that served her well in life were her will and dogged determination. Gloria returned to the USPS after a 16 year hiatus. She worked the night shift and made many good friends. They lifted and sorted 40 lb. bags of mail and survived dangerous packages and taking Cipro from the Anthrax scare. You may remember that Gloria liked a tune with a good beat that she could shake her money maker to. She loved her Walkman and her tapes and liked to sing and whistle. She was also well known for watching her soaps and crocheting/knitting baby outfits, blankets, hats and scarves for co-workers and relatives. She retired in 2008 and added crime shows to her repertoire. Gloria loved flowers of all kinds and come springtime she was out in her garden getting it ready. "I just need a little taste," would have a cake she made for you disappearing in 24-hours. She did also say, "Why put off to tomorrow when you can do it today." She loved food and we did say she was determined. To many's hilarity and dismay, Gloria was an honest woman with no filter and the mouth of a sailor, who had no problem saying "No." Gloria was a devote Catholic and prayed several times a day for the living and the deceased. So if you knew her, she said a prayer for you. Gloria was not afraid to die and felt she lived a good life. Gloria is preceded in death by her husband George Swerda. Gloria is survived by her five children: Michael (Eddie), of Temple Hills, MD; John, of Brunswick, MD; Chris, of Littleton, CO; Steve (Michelle), of Aurora, CO; and Terry (Lee) Fischel, of Littleton, CO and her grandchildren Casey and Lauren of Frederick, MD. She is also survived by her siblings, Ana Cimini, Luigia Palumbo, Elio Santi, Ada (Rudy) Marinelli, and Rosa Chiedi. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maria Gloria Swerda please visit our Sympathy Store.