Gloria Schmelzer

Gloria Schmelzer, 89, a long time resident of Maumee, Ohio, passed away in the early hours Sunday, October 12, 2014 at her recent home “The Lakes of Monclova” in Maumee, Ohio. She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania to George Wallow and Agnes Pitko on March 26, 1925. Gloria spent most of her youth growing up in Youngstown, Ohio where she became a model in her twenties and also worked as a Secretary in the Insurance Industry. She met and married her husband Howard Schmelzer of Pennsylvania and moved to Pittsburgh for a short time early in their marriage. Eventually moving to Maumee, Ohio in the sixties where she and Howard raised their family and met many wonderful friends. Gloria enjoyed participating in several Ladies Auxiliaries in town and kept very busy. She belonged to The Toledo Symphony League where she participated in many duties throughout her 50 years of membership. She took part in photographing their events, Historian duties, Addressing parties for Style Shows, Teas, and the annual Toledo Symphony Ball. Gloria also loved helping with the spring Rummage/Yard Sale at the Toledo Animal Shelter where she belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary on Wyman Road. She participated in many events in two other ladies groups, The Toledo Opera Guild and The Ability Center Ladies Auxiliary. Through the years she enjoyed helping with all various activities that the Auxiliary and Guild worked towards. Growing up, Gloria played the piano and traveled with her girlfriends into her thirties. After moving to Maumee, Ohio she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she helped for many years at their annual rummage sale. Playing Bridge and Scrabble was also a fun pastime of hers as well as duties performed for the local Garden Club. She also enjoyed working at the Maumee voting booths at Election time as well as going to the local Wolcott House sale every fall to look at antiques and visit her many Maumee friends and neighbors. Some of her favorite spots in Maumee to hang out were Side Cut Park, The Hitchn’ Post for Chinese food, Koral Hamburger and shopping at Lamson’s department store at Parkway Plaza. Most evenings after dinner she would walk to Penguin Palace for an evening stroll and ice cream. Mrs. Schmelzer is survived by her son Todd Schmelzer, daughter Jill Henning, granddaughter Sloane Henning, step-grandchildren Michael Henning, Nicholas Henning, Brandi Henning-Upp (Scott Jr.), great-grandchildren Scott F. Upp III, and Alex Upp. Brother and sister-in-Law Robert and Joann Wallow of Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard W. Schmelzer and son-in-law Lawrence G. Henning. The family would like to thank all the nurses and aides at The Lakes of Monclova health care facility as well as Northwest Ohio Hospice for their assistance and dedicated care. Memorial gifts may be made to The First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Broadway St., Maumee, Ohio 43537. Gloria was entombed at Toledo Memorial Park in a private service.

Gloria Schmelzer

March 26, 1925 - October 12, 2014