Obituary of Gloria F. Sawan

Gloria Freda (Betros) Sawan went home to her Lord and Savior on March 6, 2024. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on June 27, 1931, she was a daughter of the late George and Freda Betros, proud Lebanese immigrants. 

Gloria’s father was a strong role model for his children, managing a local grocery store while commuting to Manhattan to pursue his law degree. Gloria set her sights on a career in broadcast journalism, attending Emerson College in Boston. After a year, financial considerations dictated a new path, and she began work at NBC Studios in NYC. Gloria was active in the vibrant Mideast community in downtown Brooklyn where she met the love of her life, WWII veteran and attorney, Alfred Sawan. Their happy 1954 union produced five cherished children, but was tragically cut short when Al succumbed to leukemia in 1960.

A widow at 29, Gloria navigated the challenges of single parenthood, with ongoing love and support from both sides of the family. Her children were in school full time when she reported to Bankers Trust/Deutsche Bank, where she worked as an Executive Secretary until her 72nd birthday. Her money management skills enabled her to purchase a home and send her children to college. Gloria’s children were her proudest joy, and she devoted her life to being the best mom she could be. Tragedy struck again in 1987, when Gloria’s 31-year-old son, Thomas, perished in a plane crash. 

Gloria was an accomplished pianist and spent many hours filling the house with classical music. She maintained a 180 average in bowling leagues for decades at Leemark Lanes. She cherished her monthly girls’ night out with besties Amelia, Judy and Elaine, playing Whist and sharing life. She enjoyed a good Scotch with a NY Times Crossword puzzle, and a game of Scrabble with her right arm, Dolores. She enjoyed annual trips to Europe, visiting many countries with Georgette, and even made it to Lebanon.

Gloria’s greatest passion and gift was in the culinary arts. She spent hours cooking most weekends while watching tennis matches or her beloved NY Mets. She was the consummate hostess and was in her element entertaining family and friends with Lebanese and other gourmet delights. Her door was always open as was the refrigerator. She loved and appreciated her extended family more than they could know. While not chatty, Gloria was a good listener and the best secret keeper. Her last four years were spent in Connecticut with Donna’s family.

She is survived by her daughters Donna (James), Dolores and Georgette, grandchildren Michael, Emil, Thomas and Lea. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Rosalind, cherished cousin-in-law, Robert, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, sons Thomas and infant Matthew, siblings Norman, Najme, Lindy and Peggy, father-in-law, Tom, and fur babies Boots and Monroe. Gloria’s legacy of love, fortitude and unwavering faith will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Gloria’s family is most grateful to Karen, Abena, Melecia, Grace, Nardia and Tammy for their loving and gentle care during the past four years. We also extend our gratitude to the St John Fisher parish family who embraced Gloria with weekly Communion and prayers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Church of the Virgin Mary, 216  8th Avenue, Brooklyn NY at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 with visitation from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the Church. Burial will follow at St Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Church of the Virgin Mary. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.