Gloria A. Gregory

Gloria Alten (Demmon) Gregory, LMSW, aged 95, of Grand Rapids, Michigan died from complications of a bowel obstruction on  March 28, 2021 . Gloria was the daughter of Ralph W Demmon, local architect and Camellia Alten Demmon, middle daughter of prominent Michigan artist, Matthias J Alten. She graduated from Central High School in the class of ’43. Gloria earned a BA from the University of Colorado and a MA at U of M and her school social work accreditation from Michigan State. Her professional life was devoted to what she loved most–working with children. Gloria was a classroom teacher for 10 years in K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in Ann Arbor, Redlands, CA and back again to Grand Rapids. She continued in her role as a school social worker in Grand Rapids for 30 years. While working in public schools she was able to work with children, parents and staff in all areas of special need. She spent 13 years part time in charter schools for a total of 53 years in education. Gloria was the first “Michigan School Social Worker of the year in 1982. Another love was her summers spent at her condo in Montague with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. Enjoying bridge became an important social connection in later years-both in Michigan and during six month winters spent in Longboat Key, Florida until 93 years of age when she moved to assisted living in Porter Hills. Survivors include her children, Nancy (Rob) McCormick, Brad Nicholson, Jim (Shelly) Gregory, and Scott (Maria) Gregory along with nine grandchildren (Molly, Ryan, Michael, Emily, Jason, Danielle, Matthias, Patrick, and Elizabeth) and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Diane Boozer and her family. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Fountain St.Church at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Fountain St. Church foundation fund, 24 Fountain St. NE., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Friends of Alten, Grand Valley State University, LV Eberhard Center 9th Floor, 301 Fulton St. W, PO Box 2005, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (www.gvsu.edu/giving/alten) or Spectrum Hospice.

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