Gloria A. (Ferris) Floriani

Gloria A. (Ferris) Floriani, of North Adams, Massachusetts, died peacefully at her
daughter’s home surrounded by family on December 23, 2023, after a courageous
battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. Gloria was born to Elizabeth M.
(Solomon) Ferris and Ferris M. Ferris on January 5, 1949. She was predeceased by
her older sister Martha (Ferris) Perry and her husband Lauren “Butch” Perry of Priest
River, Idaho. Gloria leaves behind her older brother Marshall Ferris of Lakeville,
Minnesota, older sister Faith (Ferris) Barcome and her husband John Barcome of
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and younger sister Anne (Ferris) Molloy and her husband
William “Bill” Molloy of North Adams, Massachusetts. In addition, she leaves many
beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gloria married the love of her life James A. Floriani on June 6, 1970, who died three
months prior. They lived in North Adams until a recent move to Williamstown,
Massachusetts. They were often referred to as “bookends” always together and useless
without the other. Their bond was unbreakable. Gloria leaves her daughter, Tara
Floriani and her husband, Dana Quartey of Worcester, Massachusetts, and her son
Andrew “AJ” Floriani and his wife Shellie who live in Coventry, Vermont. Gloria had
seven grandchildren, Desmond, Damori, Corrinne, Cole, Eli, Emilia, and Enzo who
were her pride and joy.
Gloria graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and attended Mildred Elley Business
School. She first worked at Aiken Chemical until they closed. She then was
employed by General Cable for many years until the company moved from
Berkshires. She went on to work for McClelland’s Hallmark, Patten Realty, and
finally finished her career in medical billing before she retired.
Sunday dinners after church, with her parents and sister Anne’s family was one of
Gloria’s favorite things to do. Every Sunday she made the kibbe, and Jamie would
craft some type of dessert to share. Spending time with her family was always a
priority and an essential part of who she was.
Gloria had a love for many things in life. She had a collection of pocketbooks, shoes,
and all kinds of jewelry that matched. She thought the “bigger the better”, and she
certainly was not shy of bright colors. She loved Jamie’s homemade pizzas. She loved
mocha Sundaes with coffee ice cream and walnuts. She loved taking rides. On special
occasions she gave her grandchildren $2.00 bills. On the weekends, she loved to play
cards with family and friends and for decades, Gloria never missed an episode of the
Wheel of Fortune, solving the puzzles better than the contestants.
Gloria and Jamie adored watching their son, AJ, play sports throughout the years.
They never missed a baseball or basketball game. They loved cheering for him and
his teammates, they even partook in an occasional argument with the officials for “a

bad call”. If you heard the cow bell rung, she was there. Gloria also mastered playing
pranks on April Fool Day. Every year she caught her children off guard and got them
with her jokes or wild stories.
In addition to being unique and funny, she was strong-willed, and a bit stubborn,
however, always stayed true to herself and her beliefs. Anyone who knew Gloria
recognized she was not shy and wore her heart on her sleeve. Gloria strongly believed

her children should be educated and she pushed them to be independent and self-
sufficient. She loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. Gloria will be

deeply missed by all who loved her.
A funeral mass will be held simultaneously with her husband’s mass on April 16,
2024, at 9:00am at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Immediately following the Mass, a Celebration of Life will be announced. All are
welcome to attend the Mass and the Celebration of Life event.
In leu of flowers, please donate in Gloria’s memory to PopCares, P.O. Box 482,
Williamstown, MA 01267.