Gloria Barker

Gloria DeNicola Pallassino Barker, born January 1, 1931 in Astoria NY, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Lake Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Indian Trail, NC. She is now in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gloria was predeceased by her parents Louis and Mary DeNicola, husbands Nicholas Pallassino and William Barker, and son Joseph Louis Pallassino. She is survived by her daughter Laura Johannesen (Will) of Matthews, granddaughters Erica Parkerson (Will), Kimberly McHugh (Dave), Christina Pallassino, and Angela Pallassino. Additional survivors are great-grandchildren Hannah Parkerson, Joshua Parkerson, Kenzie McHugh, and Matthew McHugh, and daughters-in-law Amy Pallassino and Joyce (“Jill”) Maxwell. Family was everything to Gloria. She was a loving mother to her children, contributed to the care of her grandchildren, and rejoiced that she was able to see and enjoy her great-grandchildren. Family trips to California, Disney World, Biltmore Estate, and Holden Beach were among her fondest memories. Gloria spent most of her life in New York and North Carolina. She always kept an immaculate home that was filled with framed photos of her loved ones, a whimsical rooster collection… and in her kitchen cabinets were the beautiful rose dishes and cups she so cherished setting out for guests. Gloria was a wonderful cook. Feeding family gave her great pleasure, and her recipes are treasured keepsakes. Pot roast, macaroni with meatballs, and homemade chicken soup were her specialties. Her cream cheese tuna salad served in a Christmas tree dish was a crowd pleaser every year. Gloria was a joyful giver. She would bring a Santa bag full of presents for her grandchildren each Christmas Eve. Gloria was also famous for putting a dollar bill in every card she sent her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even into their teenage years. And Gloria was generous with her time too. The number of games of CandyLand, Sorry, and Checkers she played - happily - was extraordinary. Gloria was a poet. She enjoyed writing poems to commemorate special occasions like the weddings of her granddaughters and the birthdays of her great-grandchildren. She had a knack for rhyming and also for delighting her readers by reciting her poetry out loud. Gloria was loyal. She faithfully maintained a lasting 80-year relationship with her childhood friend Rosalie Pascullo. They spoke on the phone regularly for decades. Gloria was a music aficionado. She often listened to Christian radio and in her sunset years, taught herself to play the piano, a pastime that brought her joy. Surely in her heavenly home, there is a piano with photos resting on top in polished silver frames. The aroma of coffee wafts through the rooms, and there is a pleasant clatter of dishes in the kitchen, rose in color. There are places to set at the table and even more in the glorious future when her whole family once again comes for dinner… when everyone is finally Home. Gloria was loved. The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness and compassion of the staff at Lake Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hospice of Union County, and Lowe Neddo Funeral Home. A private service will be held for the family at a later date.

Gloria Barker

January 1, 1931 - July 19, 2026