Gloria A. Silvernail

  On January, 10, 2024, Gloria A. Silvernail (83), surrounded by family, lost her long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was pre deceased by her devoted husband, John (Jack) Silvernail; her parents, Janice and Thomas Sander; and her dear aunt and uncle, Dr. Charles and Eva Lawler; and her son Robert Silvernail. She is survived by her children; David (Jacquie) Scoff of Endwell, Ellen (Buz) Midden of Tennessee, Steve (Cheryl) Silvernail of North Carolina, and Gary (Wendy) Silvernail of Florida; eight grandchildren, Jay, Ryan, Matthew, Jeffrey, Micah, Caleb, Marisa and Faith; five great grandchildren, Jeremy, Lydia, Ava, Brynn, Abel; and one great great grandchild, Jeremiah. She is also survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law, Marcia and Thomas Tobin; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many special neighbors and caregivers who helped her find joy during the last years of her life.

Gloria (Sander) Silvernail was born on January 20, 1940 in her beloved hometown of Salamanca, NY. She graduated from Salamanca High School and D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York where she received her teaching degree. Gloria enjoyed teaching 2nd grade children for several years; still telling stories about her dear students decades after she retired from the classroom. Her love of children never waned and she went on to care for many children in her home over the years. She especially loved babies! Gloria also spent several happy years working at Broome Developmental Center as a switchboard operator. While raising her children in Chenango Bridge, Gloria never missed a sporting event, recital or school function. When not busy with her children, Gloria could often been found cheering on her Broome Dusters or Binghamton Whalers hockey teams, and even becoming the president of the Whaler fan club. She also enjoyed anything related to her Irish heritage, even taking several memorable trips to Ireland. Gloria and her husband Jack traveled extensively together; trips she always took the time to carefully document with plenty of photo books and journals. One adventure included an excursion to Yankee stadium to watch her beloved New York Yankees. She found one particular trip to Sarasota, Florida so impressive that she and Jack bought a home there and spent many years making friends and walking countless hours on Siesta Key beach. During her years in Binghamton, Gloria was a long time active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hillcrest, helping run many Bingo nights in the church hall. Other volunteer activities included delivering Meals on Wheels, working countless hours visiting the elderly in nursing homes, reading to school children and helping older adults in the community through Faith in Action of Broome County. But of all her jobs and adventures, Gloria would surely tell you her greatest joy was found spending time with her treasured grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Expressions of love can be made in Gloria’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org.