Gloria Charness

Gloria Charness (nee Gollin) - Passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026 after 101 years of a generous and loving life. Gloria was born in Chicago, IL on February 12, 1925, to Ida and Morris Gollin. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 75 years Mark Charness and brother Albert Gollin. She is survived by her 5 children Neil (Beth), David (Leslie), Michael (Deborah), Peter (Annemarie) and Marilyn (Gordon Shank), her 11 grandchildren, her 7 soon to be 8 great grandchildren and her brother Richard Gollin. Gloria grew up in Far Rockaway, L.I. New York. A bright and inquisitive woman, she graduated magna cum laude from Queens College in NYC, and was enrolled in post graduate work at Columbia University. Gloria met Mark Charness on a weekend get-away in the Catskill Mountains. A quick and astute judge of character, she agreed almost immediately to spend her life by his side, and they were married during one of New York's most historic snow storms December 27, 1947. She moved with her new husband to Montreal, Quebec to begin her next chapter. Together, Gloria and Mark raised five wonderful children, The consummate matriarch, Gloria represented the essence of unconditional love fueled by inner strength, unrivaled patience, and logistical precision, all executed with a healthy respect for nurturing independence. In her own words - "The role of a parent is to teach a child to survive without them." And she did that magnificently. She herself survived the child rearing years relatively unscathed and become the adoring grandmother to her grand and great grandchildren. It was a role she relished and performed with tremendous joy. She was also the matriarch to a large brood of nieces and nephews. Nana Glo, as she became affectionately known, delighted in hosting her family for gatherings of all kinds, opening her home graciously, making sure everyone's favorites were always on hand. Gloria always had a genuine interest in and sincere concern for people. She was generous with her time and energy, and unabashedly selfless, giving freely to family and friends. Everyone she crossed paths with knew she could be counted on for a pick-me-up conversation or help of any kind, without question. She was passionately involved in her community through philanthropic work and board responsibilities. She and her husband Mark were major supporters of a number of charitable organizations, including Baycrest Hospital and Sunnybrook Medical Foundation. She was still an active member of her condo association Board of Directors even up until her 100th birthday. Gloria was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, a woman of exquisite style with a passion for decorating. She and Mark enjoyed a large circle of friends in Montreal, Toronto and at their winter residence in Palm Beach, FL. She will be missed by all who knew her for her caring, her generosity, her quick smile, and her enthusiastic energy.