Obituary of Gloria Crane

Gloria Crane, 78, of Cortland, NY passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones, on Saturday July 6, 2024. She was born on October 7, 1945, in Syracuse NY, the daughter of the late Augustus C. and Palma M. Varano. Gloria attended The Convent School in Syracuse. She was a cheerleader, member of the glee club, and CSMC member. In her 12 years at The Convent School, she enjoyed art classes the most and making life-long friends. After high school, Gloria attended beauty school and became a licensed beautician, following her sister to Addis Company where Gloria met her first husband, Don. They married in 1968, relocated to Cortland, and quickly started a family of their own. Raising her three children, Donald Stevens, Dena Kote and Cheri Lunas, brought Gloria much joy. While a busy homemaker, Gloria found time to sell Avon on the side. She had a growing business but still time to raise children. Once her children were older, Gloria began a career in Real Estate as a sales agent, later turning in her sales license to work for The Board of Realtors. Her final endeavor was working alongside her dear friend at Wells Fargo Mortgage. In 1989, Gloria married Thompson Crane and continued working and fixing up their big Victorian home. She wanted the big house to entertain, host parties, and show off her incredible cooking skills. In early 2000, Gloria took an early retirement to enjoy her real calling, being a grandmother. Bailey and Madison Kote, Cloe, Justin, and Owen Stevens, are her pride and joy. Gloria was the true definition of grandmother, making memories that the grandchildren will cherish always. Gloria was a perpetual volunteer. Throughout the 70's she was an active member of the Hospital aid society, also volunteering as the faith formation coordinator, and teaching a weekly church school class. It is here where she met her dear friend Joanne. She continued her volunteer work at St. Mary's church as a liturgy member and chair of the decorating committee. Gloria would have a vision in her head and the decorating team would bring it to life from her guidance. The life size angels she found for the alter will continue to remind many of the dedication she had to her church and her faith. When she was not volunteering at St Mary's, she could be found at Cortland Repertory Theater. Gloria was on the Board of Directors at CRT and an active member of the guild. She loved to help any way she could, but her specialty was decorating. Gloria was tasked with wrapping dozens of fake gifts and making big fluffy bows for hours. Even on her weakest days she said "as long as I can sit, I'll make bows". Gloria is survived by her children Donald Stevens, Dena Kote, and Cheri Lunas, her sister Valerie (Joe) Sidoni, her grandchildren Bailey and Madison Kote, Cloe, Justin, and Owen Stevens, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 11, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday July 12, 2024 at 10am at the St. Mary's Church, 59 N. Main St., Cortland, NY. Burial will follow at the St. Mary's Cemetery. Gloria’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, CNAs, and staff at Guthrie’s Misty Glen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary's Church 59 N. Main St., Cortland, NY. or the Cortland Repertory Theater, https://cortlandrep.org/support/. To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com