Friends and family gathered at Seashore Housing on August 23 to celebrate the 100 th birthday of resident Gloria Ezzie.
The celebration featured several proclamations, a cake and balloons for Gloria. Born August 23, 1921, in Pennsylvania, Gloria DiFrancesco was the third of six children. She was raised in Philadelphia, Pa., and summered at her grandmother’s home in Coatesville, Pa. At age 23, she married Michael Ezzie and they moved to the suburbs. Together they had three children, Michael, Linda, and Donna. At a time when many wives and mothers were not working, Gloria was a career woman. She attended night school to become a hairdresser, an occupation that she had for 36 years. She was president of the Upper Darby Republican Club, a girl scout leader, and belonged to a bowling league. She loved to dance, and taught her husband to do so. She also loved playing pinochle, a game that her father taught her as a child. After they raised a family, Gloria and Michael moved to Brigantine. There, she remained active, playing on the bocce team, and volunteering at the senior center. She was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She has been following the Phillies for the last 40 years. She lost her husband to colon cancer in 1988, but continues to count her blessings. “The most important events of my life were a beautiful marriage, loving children, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren,” she said. “With age comes the realization that you can change some things but many times it’s up to God.” Gloria moved into Seashore Housing on June 15, 2012. “I couldn’t drive. I had a lot of friends doing my shopping for me. I decided it was time,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier about that decision.” She loves the close-knit community of residents and staff, and frequently plays Bingo, card games and the tile-based game, Rummikub.
“I have lived during many of America’s greatest and most tragic events,” said Gloria. “Most of my generation share the gift of wisdom that comes from life. The good and bad experiences sprinkled with great blessings make us who we are and how we live.” “If I had any advice that someone could take away from my life, it would be to brush the bad times off your shoulders and look forward to something wonderful that may just wait for you around the corner.”
