Gloria Palma Bennie passed away on February 2, 2025. She was a resident of Colorado Springs for 56 years, was formerly a resident of Crete, Illinois, and was born in Flint, Michigan on August 17, 1934. Her father was Giuseppi (AKA Joeseph) Gervasi. Her mother was Margerite (AKA Margret) Nicolai.
She worked as a waitress at her mother and stepfather’s diner in Michigan and then worked at the Tivoli Italian restaurant in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She became somewhat of a celebrity at Easter time at the Tivoli when she fixed her hair to look like chicks nest. At first it was not accepted by the staff but she didn’t care. Then all of the waitresses followed suit. The customers loved it.
Gloria received a scholarship for her artwork but didn’t pursue it. Her love for art continued as she drew. Cartoon characters were her favorite, Betty Boop being one of them. She did wildlife and other forms of art. She loved arts and crafts and making jewelry. Gloria and her husband, Pete, would go ballroom dancing and fishing and camping, and they loved to go to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gloria is survived by her daughters: Deborah Schwanke and her husband, Kurt Schwanke, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Bonita Schultze of Colorado Springs; her stepdaughter, Barbara Schymkovich and her husband Dan of Las Vegas, Nevada; three grandsons: Aaron Byvotes, Jason Garduno, Eric Garduno and his wife, Kristina Hefner; one granddaughter, Chaselynn Schultze; two great granddaughters, Alexandra Eilinsfeld Grosse and Stephanie Garduno; and three great grandsons: Isaac King, Conner Jones, and Orion Garduno.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Bennie; her parents, Giuseppi Gervasi and Margaret Delcore; her stepfather Mike Delcore; and her brothers, Joe Gervasi and Carl Gervasi. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and funeral held after from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
In Lieu of flowers a donation is appreciated to help the family with expenses. Donations may be made at the following link: https://gofund.me/601a4830.
Bonita Lynn Schultze
5 Feb 2025Dear mom: I love you and miss you more than words can express. Not only werr you my mother, but my best friend. We loved Backdraft the movie sand we always said “ You go i go” but it didn’t happen that way. I feel such emptiness and all alone. Like there is a hole in my heart. I love you always and forever. Or home is a mess and I know that would make you crazy, so I will endeavor to start cleaning up the mess. I don’t have much energy as losing you has broken my heart, but I will continue on and make sure you are never forgotten.? Mom please watch over me and Debbie as we are both devastated. But we know you had a good life with dad and after his death. We tried our best to take care of you, Jason (Debbie’s son and his girlfriend took over when I broke my hip. They have been a blessing to mom and me, and I am forever grateful. So my love to you mom I will never forget you! Your daughter Bonita
Barbara and Dan Shymkovich
6 Feb 2025Gloria was a wonderful person. I will always cherish the great times we had when visiting Colorado Springs enjoying fantastic family get togethers and picnics. She had an infectious smile and a warm friendly heart. She was the absolute best partner to my Dad. Thank you Gloria for all the kindness and wonderful memories. You will be sorely missed. Barbara and Dan
sb
7 Feb 2025Sorry to hear about the passing.I remember all the nice dinners and all the family coming over, especially when living on the west side.When we as kids always used to play and sneak food and desserts til we got sick lol.It was always something we looked forward to.Will be missed.
Fred and Nancy Gatling
7 Feb 2025We will miss you Gloria 🙏🏼
You demonstrated your warm hearted nature with your inviting friends to your special occasions. You always made us feel loved and part of your family. Thank you for letting us in and sharing time and memories with you. We will forever miss your laugh and smile. Rest in peace
Deborah M Schwanke
8 Feb 2025My dear sweet momma your funeral was yesterday. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Saying goodbye doesn’t seem real. I miss talking with you every morning,hearing your voice and telling me I’m a doing! Lol. I miss going to breakfast with you and you helping me clean houses and then we would go to lunch. I miss you telling me stories about your life, I miss the holidays that you won’t be there and to help with the cooking. I’m so sorry I wasn’t by your bedside when passed. My heart is broken 💔 and I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you so much. I’m taking care of everything mom just like we talked about. I’m strong because of you . I hope you are proud of your send off. Tell Dad and everyone I said hello and I love them. Until we see each other again mom. Love your daughter Debbie.