Gloria Munji

Gloria Enid Munji, beloved matriarch atop a vibrant family tree, baker, crafter, reader and traveler, died Tuesday, October 10, at home with her devoted husband, Benigno Munji. She was 65 years old.

Gloria grew up in Waukegan, the eldest of four daughters born to Isabel Luisa García and Manuel García García. She spent much of her adult life calling Winthrop Harbor home, but also lived in Seattle and the Philippines.

Gloria met her husband, Ben, at the Great Lakes Naval Base in 1978. They quickly recognized each other as soulmates and forged a love that has carried their merged family through three generations over 45 years.

Gloria is the mother of Lisette, Charity, Carlos, Michele and Beno; grandmother of Dominique, Tré, Chance, Jett, Carlos, Adrian, Christian, Junior, IsaBella, Angel, Ben, Evelyn, Hazel and Rose; and great-grandmother of Zion. She was a strong, loving and nurturing presence in the lives of not only her children and grandchildren, but her nieces and nephews on the Garcia and Munji sides who knew her as Titi, or Tita, Glo.

She loved creating delicious and beautiful things for others – elaborate desserts, jewelry, embroidery, and more. She did a unique art or craft with each of her grandchildren, giving each one something special to share with her.

Gloria and Ben, both born on the 13 th of their respective birth months, eagerly awaited every Friday the 13 th . They doted on each other and loved each other deeply. Together, they traveled the world, exploring or visiting family in Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas, Tennessee, Western New York, London, Canada and The Philippines.

Gloria will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her sister Isabel Maria Colclough and brother-in-law Jack Colclough.

The community is invited to join the family for a wake from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, the 13 th of October, at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, in Zion. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Winthrop Harbor VFW, 1112 Sheridan Road.