Obituary of Gloria Salladay

Gloria B. Salladay took her final journey on August 4, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. She passed in the company of her family. Gloria was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on July 13, 1928, to Dr. G. W. and Hilda Burgess, the second of three children. She graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1946 and attended the University of Idaho where she obtained her degree in journalism. She was a lifelong member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and a loyal Vandal fan. While at the U of I, she re-connected with returning war veteran, Richard "Dick" Salladay. They were married December 28, 1947. They lived in Jerome and Pocatello before making Boise their home in 1958. The family built a cabin in McCall where they spent many wonderful summers together. Gloria spent many years staying home raising her six children. Later she began a career in teaching, first at South Jr. High, then Capital and Boise High, where she taught English, literature, journalism and yearbook. After retiring in 1989, Gloria joined the Peace Corp and served, until 1991, in Kenya, Africa, teaching English to children in a remote native village. She continued to be involved with the local Peace Corp volunteer group for the remainder of her life. Gloria was truly a world traveler. It is easier to say where she had not traveled than where she had. She traveled on every continent except Antarctica (she hated the cold and there is no shopping). She enjoyed displaying and being surrounded by the souvenirs, photo's and mementos of her travels. She was lucky enough, in the last month of her life, to take an Alaska cruise with her three daughters. It was the final trip on her bucket list and a memory she cherished to the end. Mom relished life and she lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed being with her friends and being involved in activities. She was an active member of the Boise Little Theatre for more than 50 years, serving as President in 1998-99. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Daughters of the Nile, and sang in both choirs. She enjoyed playing bridge and played in several groups, right up to the last week of her life. Mom displayed incredible grace and courage throughout her battle with the "Big C", never complaining nor asking "why me"; she just kept moving forward with her life, making the most of the time she had, engaging in her activities and spending time with her family and her friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dick. She is survived by her sister, Georgia Hughes of New Richmond, Wisc.; her brother Gordon Burgess of Brookfield, Conn.; her children, Victoria (Bruce) Thomas, Lance (Cyndy) Salladay, Steven Salladay, Sharon (Michael) Nardello, Toni Salladay, and Rick (Kathy) Salladay, by 15 grandchildren, Megan, Andrea and Ben Thomas; Justin, Brandon and Ryan Salladay; Jocelyn Robertson; Andrew, Nick and Jared Nardello; Brian, Valerie and Ellen Cordova; Mathew Ward and Garrett Salladay, as well as 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wants to extend special thanks to St. Luke's Hospice for their incredible care and attention to mom in her last weeks. A Memorial service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church on Monday, August 15, at 2:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life following at the Boise Little Theatre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boise Little Theatre, St. Luke's Health Foundation for M.S.T.I., or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.