The Glorious Life of Gloria Marie (Uliana) Stellar

Gloria Marie (Uliana) Stellar—known to her favorite people as Mom, Nona, Nona Bird, or Nonz—passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love and supported by her husband, Emrich Stellar.

She is survived by a family as big and vibrant as she was: her daughter Jessica Ryan and husband Peter, her son Emrich M. Stellar Jr. and wife Cynthia, and her cherished grandchildren—Ryan and Kate Stellar (Berkeley, CA), Amelia Dietrich and husband Fernando Fonseca (Philadelphia, PA), Lucas Stellar and wife Shadi Vahidi (Rome, Italy), Jocelyn Dietrich (Pittsburgh, PA), Emrich M. Stellar III (Bethlehem, PA), Marlo Stellar (Philadelphia, PA), and great-grandson Rochus Stellar (Berkeley, CA).

Our fiercely independent Aquarius matriarch was born on February 6, 1934. She lived through history, found the fun in every moment, and never missed a chance to dance—especially the jitterbug.

Gloria earned her master's in nursing and She spent her career as a school nurse in various schools within the Allentown School District, caring for many generations of students. In retirement, she and Emrich traveled often and soaked up as much time with family as possible.

Quirky, quick-witted, deeply spiritual, and always the caretaker, Gloria's greatest joy was being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She believed in gathering, sharing meals and laughter, and making the most of every moment.

A Celebration of Gloria's Life

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph Church, 5050 Saint Josephs Road, Coopersburg, PA 18036. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family in Saint Joseph Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A parting message from Gloria:

"Use your energy to be kind, smile, laugh, and pray for yourself and others."

We'll miss you so much, Nona. Save us a beech for when we meet again.

Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com