Obituary of Gloria F. Arrindell

Gloria Frances Arrindell (nee Larmonie), age 93, passed away on December 4, 2019. She was the devoted daughter of the late Gaston and Elmie Larmonie. She was the beloved wife of the late Elmer Evan Arrindell. She was the loving mother of Robert Arrindell and his wife Celeste, Millicent Arrindell, Deborah Shamsid-Deen and her husband Eric, Diana Velazquez, Kevin Arrindell and John Barlow and his wife Andrea. She was the dear Ema of Dean, Delia, Eric, Jasmine, Tiffany, Milani and Malik. She was the cherished great grandma of Destiny, Spencer, Dillon and Davin. She was a loving aunt to Margie Hines, Nicole Hines and Butch King. Gloria was born on September 26, 1926 and grew up in Summit, New Jersey. She attended Summit High School and graduated in 1945. At the age of 15, World War II broke out and she volunteered as a night air raid messenger. During her teen years, she met a young man, Elmer Evan Arrindell in Staten Island while visiting her cousins. They corresponded throughout the time he served overseas. After returning home, Gloria and Elmer (known as Van) married in 1946 and together, they had 6 children. Gloria and Van were married for 60 years until his death. They have 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Gloria was a member of the Brighton Heights Reform Church for over 70 years. There she assisted in various church functions. Through the years, she volunteered for various organizations. Gloria drove clients back and forth to their doctor's appointments for the Red Cross. Also, she was a Girl Scout's leader for a number of years at St. Rita's Elementary School. Rev. Ratmeyer, from Brighton Heights Reform Church asked her to assist Rev. Troia with the Soup Kitchen at the church. After working there for several years, she was asked to assist in the Project Hospitality Outreach Program on Central Ave in St. George. Gloria treated all the clients with dignity, respect and love. She always referred to them as her children and they called her Mom. Gloria enjoyed and cherished working at Project Hospitality; with the help of her daughter Diana, they would make small cups of candy for Easter and Halloween and bring it to Project Hospitality for her children. At least once a month, they would bring ice cream and cookies to the center for her children's enjoyment. Gloria and her late husband Van had a Hardware Store known as Van's Home Center on Jersey Street in New Brighton. They served the community for over 20 years. They were not just customers to her, but family. They all called her Mrs. Van. Gloria was known as GoGo by her neighbors and friends. She acquired this name because she was always on the go. Her home was always open to everyone. When she had parties and cookouts it was a family, friends and neighborhood affair. In 1996, Gloria received the Woman of Achievement Award. For a number of years, Gloria was a board member of the St. Vincent's Hospital known now as RUMC. For 15 years, Gloria and Vera organized monthly trips to Atlantic City for the VFW. She was a member of Sea View Rehabilitation and Home's Auxiliary. In short, Gloria, GoGo, or Mrs. Van is a People Person who radiates Love. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Alzheimer's Foundation of America in Gloria's memory. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Monday, 12/9/19, a final prayer will be said at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow in Moravian Cemetery. A Funeral Service will be held at Matthew Funeral Home on Sunday, 12/8/19 at 8:00 PM. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, 12/8/19 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.