Obituaries

Gloria Ann Hodge

October 27, 1928 - August 9, 2021

Burial Date August 14, 2021

The matriarch of the Hodge family, Gloria “Glo” Hodge, affectionately known as Aunty Glo, passed on from this life peacefully in her sleep Aug. 9, 2021.

Gloria Ann Hodge was born in New London on Oct. 27, 1928, the eldest and first generation to Emile Phillippe and Edmay Marie Hodge of Saint Martin, West Indies.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her longtime companion, “her honey”, Edward Powers. All her siblings, brothers, Philip R. Hodge Sr. and his wife Dienne, Russell P. Hodge and his wife Dorree, sister Suzanne M. Hodge and nephew, Keith Hodge.

She cherished her role of aunt to her nephews, “her darlings” and their families; Pat Hodge of California, Phil Hodge Jr. of New London, Gary Hodge of California, Mike Hodge of Mystic, Brad Hodge of Washington, Greg Hodge of Voluntown, and Andres Hodge of California. She also leaves behind many great and even great-great-nieces and nephews; as well as numerous cousins and friends who will fondly remember her.

Gloria attended and graduated high school in New London. She worked as a seamstress for many years and also in retail. Following this, she worked at Electric Boat until her retirement.

She was a product of another generation, a true lady. She carried herself with grace and poise. She commanded attention when she walked into a room. She took extremely good care of herself and always looked amazing for her age. She was a fashionista long before the term existed, always color coordinated and accessorized to match, with her nails manicured. She adorned bold patterns and colors; her favorite was purple. Her trademark scent of Estee Lauder often pervaded long after her absence from a space. She was a collector of many things and liked to be surrounded by beauty. She loved to take pictures, and often had a camera in hand. She was a very independent and proud woman. She had a love for shopping and bargains, even traveling out of state and frequenting flea markets and yard sales on the weekends. She enjoyed arts and crafts, including making ceramics, crocheting, and calligraphy. Aunty Glo thoroughly enjoyed having a good time, going “up north,” to the casinos and through music and dancing. One of her favorite songs was a calypso classic, Hot Hot Hot. Everyone who knew her, knew if she heard it, wherever she was, she would break into her signature dance move, rolling her shoulders. She relished spending time with her family, especially looking forward to Sunday brunches. She held a full social calendar well into her 80s.

Her smile and laugh were infectious. She was such a vibrant person with a young spirit. Her family meant everything to her. She told the best stories from her youth in such an animated manner, eliciting laughter from those she told. She was known to include her West Indian idioms in everyday speech, to convey something she’d rather not do, “I’d rather take a beatin’!” Or to say she wasn’t gullible or born yesterday, “I didn’t come down with the last raindrop.”

Aunty Glo had a way of interacting that just made you feel special, whether that was through a compliment, being genuinely interested in a conversation, giving you a small gift or “token” just because, or even simply by saying she would pray for you. She was very generous both with family and donating to worthy causes. She maintained a deep sense of Faith throughout her life, starting and ending each day with prayer.

To say she will be missed is a vast understatement. Her memory will continue to live on in our hearts forever.

A special thank you to Madison House nursing facility for caring for her in her final months and to the Powers family who opened their doors to her, also her nephew Phil and his wife, Wilma who lovingly cared for her in their home, allowing her to be surrounded by family. We express our sincere gratitude to all those who have shared their condolences with the family.

A wake will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 14, at Impellitteri Funeral Home in New London, with a mass of Christian burial to follow at 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph’s Church in New London. Interment will be private.