Gloria Marlene Zimny

Gloria Marlene Zimny of Richmond, MI passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 26, 2022 at the age of 73. Gloria was born on July 9, 1949 to the late John and Lillian Swiatkowski in Detroit, MI. Gloria is survived by Joseph Zimny her devoted husband and children, Paul, Matthew and Heather. She grew up in Hamtramck with her three brothers, Richard (wife Diane) and John “Jack” (wife Marge) Swiatkowski and is preceded in death by her youngest brother, Robert “Bob” (wife Angie) Swiatkowski. Gloria will be remembered as a brave warrior who embodied courage and loved her family dearly; her children were the light of her life. She was the lighthouse keeper of the family and wherever her children traveled she always kept the beacon of love and support glowing across the many miles.  Throughout her life she maintained a passion for books and literature that connected to her genealogy research and strong sense of Polish heritage.  Music was another great joy of her life, especially her love of The Beatles. She had a special relationship with her mother, Lilliana, helping her mother tend to her garden and gorgeous rose bushes which instilled a lifelong passion of gardening herbs, and nature.  On September 30, 1972 Gloria married her soulmate Joseph, after a first date in the summer of 1969 and a long-distance relationship while Joe was stationed in the Army for two years. Gloria loved to travel with her husband.  Trips to Hawaii, Alaska, New Orleans and National Parks were especially cherished. Gloria never failed to notice the beauty all around her- “like a night in a forest, like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean.” All of these filled up her senses with joy.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the wonderful nurses and doctors at McLaren Macomb Hospital for their kindness and compassionate nature.

Visitation will be Monday, January 9, 2023 3:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. at the Rewalt-Peshek Funeral Home, 68655 Stoecker Lane, Richmond, MI 48062. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 68035 Main St, Richmond, MI 48062.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks memorial donations may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb,1080 Harrington Blvd., Mount Clemens, MI 48043.