“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —A.A. Milne

On February 19, 2020, Gloria Lorraine Fanucchi (Draper) gained her angel wings at home surrounded by her adoring family. She was born on August 15, 1945 in Astoria, Oregon. She attended Eureka High School and graduated in 1963. She graduated from Fredrick and Charles Beauty College as a cosmetologist and continued to do hair for 57 years. Simultaneously, in the early 1980s mom started a home daycare. For 20 years, she expertly cared for and loved many children at Gloria’s Daycare; each of them like they were her own.

Gloria was an amazing mother, Grammee, Meemee, great-grammee and a special friend to so many. She had a heart of gold and a personality that shined. She really knew how to have fun.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and E. Marita Draper; her parents-in-law, Roy and Sheila Fanucchi; brother-in-law, Don Buchanan, and her soul sisters Sonja “Sonie” Maher and Sharon Goforth.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Joseph Fanucchi; her children: Teri Gridley (Jim), Lisa Pentecost (Tim), Brett Fanucchi (Barbara), Angela Boults, and Julie Fanucchi. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Branden Gridley (Kristine), Shawn Thrash (Jolene), Tateym Gridley, Sheria Smith (DJ), Katelyn Gridley (Anthony), Malik Boults, Gloriana Moua (Taylor), Olivia Moua (Miguel), Zarai Boults, Shaunte’ Spears, Makai Boults, Avi Landry, Quincey Landry, and Kingston Verduzco (her grandpup). Also, she is survived by her great-grandchildren: Devin, Kelan, Claira, Brynn, Mila, and 3 on the way. As well as, her siblings: Ronald Draper (Adah), Barbara Buchanan, Dennis Draper, sister-in-law: Nina Crowe (Bill) many nieces and nephews, and Dorothy Hindley who has been a bonus mother figure to mom for several decades. And so many more “adopted” family members and cherished friends.

Gloria loved “glamping” at Redwood River Resort. It was an annual tradition that she held dear to her heart for 48 years. This summertime ritual was always shared with our Rabang/Hansen family and sometimes many more! She ruled the shuffleboard court and would put us all to shame with her cannonballs in the pool. Her favorite pastimes were watching her family swim, sitting/dancing around the campfire while roasting marshmallows, enjoying karaoke, eating spinach and cheese dips, and hanging out with her precious friend, Billie Harrison, all while drinking copious amounts of coffee. Mom enjoyed her time on Tuesdays at the casino and loved visiting with her friends there. She was a member of and volunteered for Sons of Italy with her friend Bonnie DuMond. She joined in honor of her father-in-law, Roy Fanucchi.

She loved life, her family, and didn’t know a stranger. She did things her way. She considered herself to be very stubborn and with that stubbornness came determination. She was determined to show the world what true, unconditional love was. Once that was accomplished, it was time for her to go. Mom/Grammee, You are the best and we will forever love you a bushel and a peck!

At Gloria’s request, there will be no service. Our family would like to give a special thank you to the compassionate staff at Hospice who helped us honor our mom’s wishes to be at home during her last months. A special thank you to her nurse Coral. Coral cared for our mom with love, empathy, and a little humor. As well as, a big thank you to Taylor (chaplain) and Keri (social worker). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct., Eureka, Ca. 95503

“Here today, gone tomorrow.” — Gloria Fanucchi

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gloria Fanucchi’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.