The Juniper Park Civic Association is sad to announce that longtime community resident, activist and volunteer, Gloria Simile, passed away on Thursday, November 9th.

After graduation from high school, Gloria went to work as a Kelly Girl in the insurance industry. She later worked with William Hentschel Insurance on Eliot Avenue, later with Cook Insurance on Flushing Avenue and subsequently with Pulglese Insurance on Metropolitan Avenue.

Gloria was always willing to help the community. For years at Juniper Park Civic meetings she helped out serving coffee and cake to members. Although employed full-time until recently, Gloria always found time, on weekends, to volunteer at Dry Harbor Nursing Home. “Our neighborhood lost a great lady, and our family lost a wonderful neighbor, and our civic association lost a super volunteer,” said JPCA president Robert Holden.

Gloria was a longtime friend of Anne Holden, they could be seen sitting in front of each other’s homes together on Caldwell Avenue.

Rest in peace Gloria, our neighborhood is better because of you, thank you for a lifetime of contributions.