Obituary for Gloria M. Grondahl (Larsen)
Gloria M. Grondahl passed peacefully at 94, on October 17, 2021.
Gloria was born to Norwegian immigrants Per and Bertha Larsen in Staten Island, NY on October 16, 1927, the youngest of four girls. A “straight-A” student, she skipped two grades in school and graduated Port Richmond High School at age 16 – winning most of that Commencement’s scholastic awards. Unfortunately, her father died at that same time, putting her full-tuition college scholarship and dream of becoming a doctor out of her reach. Instead, she stayed at home with her mother and worked at Chase Manhattan Bank. At night, she completed a business college course and worked with the first generation of IBM computers.
As World War II raged on, Gloria met husband-to-be Jon, an officer in Norway’s Merchant Marine, on a short furlough in New York City. They kept in touch throughout the war, and in peacetime were married on July 6, 1946. For the next 60 years, they lived on Staten Island, members first at Christ Lutheran Church, then Salem Evangelical Church, and later, Zion Lutheran Church. They were lifetime members of Sons of Norway fraternal organization, and even helped build Nansen Lodge on Staten Island.
From a young age, Gloria was deeply musical–playing accordion, clarinet, and teaching herself to play organ. She also created a children’s choir at her church at age 15.
As President of her church’s Martha Circle, she organized visitation to the elderly at Seaview Hospital, bringing them comfort and conversation. She was later invited by Eger Nursing Home to launch a volunteer program as part of their building project, and was named their first Director of Volunteer Services.
Gloria’s enthusiasm and charismatic leadership resulted in attracting 300+ volunteers to the new program, including Candy Stripers. She established a new gift shop and a coffee shop for residents and their families–all staffed by her volunteers. These helpers also manned her annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair, which funded transport vans for Eger residents. Gloria even organized day and evening entertainment programs and was always present to personally thank the performers. She was frequently asked to speak on improving the lives of the elderly, even by government leaders in Albany. On the day of her retirement, the Staten Island Borough President declared it “Gloria Grondahl Day”.
In 2008 Jon and Gloria moved to the Wartburg Adult Community in Mount Vernon, New York, and joined the United Lutheran Church on campus. Gloria is survived by her two children, Barbara Roggemann and Jon Grondahl, Jr.; their spouses Peter and Elizabeth; two grandchildren, Diana and Kristoffer Roggemann and his wife Ellen. Four young great-grandchildren were her constant delight: Tate and Vera Roggemann, and Magnus and Annekari Swarts. Gloria left us all a legacy of love, caring and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gloria Grondahl to The Chaplaincy Fund, attn: Development, 1 Wartburg Place, Mt. Vernon, NY 10552 would be appreciated.
Gloria was born to Norwegian immigrants Per and Bertha Larsen in Staten Island, NY on October 16, 1927, the youngest of four girls. A “straight-A” student, she skipped two grades in school and graduated Port Richmond High School at age 16 – winning most of that Commencement’s scholastic awards. Unfortunately, her father died at that same time, putting her full-tuition college scholarship and dream of becoming a doctor out of her reach. Instead, she stayed at home with her mother and worked at Chase Manhattan Bank. At night, she completed a business college course and worked with the first generation of IBM computers.
As World War II raged on, Gloria met husband-to-be Jon, an officer in Norway’s Merchant Marine, on a short furlough in New York City. They kept in touch throughout the war, and in peacetime were married on July 6, 1946. For the next 60 years, they lived on Staten Island, members first at Christ Lutheran Church, then Salem Evangelical Church, and later, Zion Lutheran Church. They were lifetime members of Sons of Norway fraternal organization, and even helped build Nansen Lodge on Staten Island.
From a young age, Gloria was deeply musical–playing accordion, clarinet, and teaching herself to play organ. She also created a children’s choir at her church at age 15.
As President of her church’s Martha Circle, she organized visitation to the elderly at Seaview Hospital, bringing them comfort and conversation. She was later invited by Eger Nursing Home to launch a volunteer program as part of their building project, and was named their first Director of Volunteer Services.
Gloria’s enthusiasm and charismatic leadership resulted in attracting 300+ volunteers to the new program, including Candy Stripers. She established a new gift shop and a coffee shop for residents and their families–all staffed by her volunteers. These helpers also manned her annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair, which funded transport vans for Eger residents. Gloria even organized day and evening entertainment programs and was always present to personally thank the performers. She was frequently asked to speak on improving the lives of the elderly, even by government leaders in Albany. On the day of her retirement, the Staten Island Borough President declared it “Gloria Grondahl Day”.
In 2008 Jon and Gloria moved to the Wartburg Adult Community in Mount Vernon, New York, and joined the United Lutheran Church on campus. Gloria is survived by her two children, Barbara Roggemann and Jon Grondahl, Jr.; their spouses Peter and Elizabeth; two grandchildren, Diana and Kristoffer Roggemann and his wife Ellen. Four young great-grandchildren were her constant delight: Tate and Vera Roggemann, and Magnus and Annekari Swarts. Gloria left us all a legacy of love, caring and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gloria Grondahl to The Chaplaincy Fund, attn: Development, 1 Wartburg Place, Mt. Vernon, NY 10552 would be appreciated.