Gloria Ann McCann

When Gloria Ann (Youngdale) McCann was born on October 28, 1928 on a farm in East Chain, Minnesota, her three older siblings-Virginia, Robert, and Dawn-were sent over to the neighbor's, and Bob remembered how he came home and saw her, a sweet little baby, wrapped up and sitting on the kitchen table! By the time Gloria started school, her father had bought an apartment building and started a painting contractor company. Her family of 6 lived in the semi-basement apartment, which allowed no children, except his own four, but she always said she had a happy childhood and enjoyed ice-skating and playing jacks, often with Dawn or friends. Gloria thrived academically at school, starting before age 5, and by junior high school, she was co-editor of "The Phillipian" newspaper, elected President of the Phillips Chapter of the National Honor Society, and played the lead role in the school play. Gloria grew up at Simpson Methodist Church and accepted Jesus in their junior high youth league program. During high school, Gloria cut back her extra school activities to work at a Five and Dime store, earning spending money for more clothes, etc. Although told by a teacher that she had the talent to go to college, because she was a "depression baby," she (and her siblings) did not, but she always said she would have loved to have been a second-grade teacher. After high school, Gloria became a secretary, working some for decades. She enjoyed both water skiing and snow skiing in her young adult years. She always said, "I never took a lesson in my life" (like piano or swimming). Later, after meeting the love of her life, Joseph E. McCann in California, they had two children, Steven and Cheryl, and settled in Mankato, MN to raise their family, becoming active members of Grace Lutheran Church. Gloria liked playing cards, and she and her bridge partner were quite competitive! She always cherished her own family, her siblings and their families, her parents as they aged, and her many friends. Gloria was thrilled when she became a grandma at age 69! She loved playing "patty cake" and holding each of her 3 grandbabies-Laura, Michelle, and Jason-and played a significant role in their lives. She attended nearly all their school events, all their family birthday parties (and always gave small "un-birthday gifts" to the siblings), all their high-school graduations and her granddaughters' weddings. In her retirement years, she and Joe would take vacations to CA to see relatives or to Mexico to relax. Weekly for over 20 years, Steve enjoyed dining out, watching old movies, and playing cards with her. Gloria was devoted to her weekly Bible study at Wooddale Church for over 2 decades, becoming close friends with 3 other ladies. At age 89, she transitioned to an independent-living apartment in Roseville to be closer to Cheryl to receive more help; she often played games with her daughter and grandkids, always being a good sport but reveling with arms raised if she won! Gloria had a sense of humor and delighted in hearing and telling jokes. Her favorite word was "magnanimity," which she displayed with grace, even in her 90s, always being thankful for any time she had with her loved ones. As her friend described Gloria after her death, she was always an "upbeat" lady, looking at her blessings and trusting in God, even in the days leading up to her death. She had a wonderful smile, contented and sweet personality, and was cherished by many.

Tributes

Gloria Ann McCann

October 28, 1928 - April 5, 2025

Tributes

Gloria Ann McCann

October 28, 1928 - April 5, 2025

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