Gloria M. (Decker) Kwolek, 86, of Meriden, loving wife and best friend for 57 years of the late Richard M. Kwolek, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her devoted daughter, Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Gloria was born in Meriden, December 20, 1937, the daughter of the late Christian P. Decker and Marion (Heineman) Decker and was a lifelong resident of Meriden.  She was employed as a paraprofessional for the Meriden Board of Education until her retirement.  Gloria was a parishioner of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, a member of the Meriden Elks Lodge #35, the North Italian Home Club Ladies Auxiliary, Emblem Club 224, and the South Meriden Lions Club.  Gloria enjoyed and looked forward to getting together with her high school lunch bunch and her birthday bunch.  She was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox.

She is survived by her daughter Ellen S. Kwolek of Meriden; her grandson Ryan and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son John J. Kwolek; and her brother Christian P. Decker Jr.

Family and friends are invited to attend her graveside funeral service, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery (Sec 27).  There will be no calling hours.  Gifts in memory of Gloria M. Kwolek may be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 511 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450 or the North Italian Home Club Ladies Scholarship, 43 Thorpe Ave., Meriden, CT. 06450.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, 450 Broad St.