Gloria Anne Matysik

Gloria Anne Matysik, age 84 of Edina, went home to eternal life on January 30, 2026, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Gloria was born in Minneapolis to Alex and Margaret Joseph and grew up surrounded by the Arabic banter of her Lebanese immigrant grandparents and the devoted care of her beloved Aunty Ciel and Uncle Ernie. She told many stories about life in Northeast Minneapolis, especially the enjoyment of her grandpa Joseph's bountiful vegetable garden and her aunt and uncle's deerskin leather shop. Gloria attended St. Helena Catholic School where she was taught to be kind and to accept all people. She made many friends there, including her best friend, Sharon. At age ten, the two girls began their first job where they hopped on the city bus at 6:00 am accompanied only by each other to go pick strawberries on truck farms. The bond between them remained steadfast throughout adulthood, and their families shared many holiday dinner celebrations. Gloria graduated from Roosevelt High School and then worked in civil service at the courthouse and eventually for Dayton's travel department, which ignited a love of exploring and discovering. Gloria met and married Douglas Matysik, and they were blessed with two loving sons, Michael and Andrew. She became a second mom to many of her sons' friends who spent hours hanging out at the house and conversing in her kitchen, and she delighted in being surrounded by the energetic teenage crowd even after a long day working as a sales consultant for Charles Marvin showroom. Always eager to lend an attentive ear, Gloria lived her entire life encouraging and befriending so many along the way. After 30 years working in interior design, Gloria retired and pondered moving to the Golden State. The arrival of a granddaughter changed her mind, and she loved becoming Grandma Gloria, or "GG." GG's patience and warmth, whether through getting "makeovers" by young granddaughters or running the bases with little grandsons, were a constant throughout the rest of her life. Thankfully, the makeovers and base running evolved to sharing a love of Emily's Lebanese Deli and cheering grandkids on at school and church events. Gloria was gifted with an ability to soak in the experiences of both those she knew well as well as people she encountered in the checkout aisle. She enjoyed outings with her Durham birthday group, reading and discussing hundreds of books, cooking her specialty, Autumn Soup, and keeping up with her children's and grandchildren's friends. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by many who will miss her dearly: sons Michael (Michelle) Matysik of Batavia, IL, Andrew (Jennifer) Matysik of Edina, MN; and seven treasured grandchildren: MacKenzie, Mason and Marley Matysik, and Joey, Maria, Will, and Sydney Matysik; sisters Barb (Ken) Dubbels, Yvonne Thomas, and additional siblings; as well as many friends. Special thanks to the veritable angels who run the tangible slice of heaven called N.C. Little Hospice and to dear friend and neighbor, Peggy, who cared so well and lovingly for her throughout 22 years of friendship but especially in her last weeks. A celebration of Gloria's life will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, gifts are preferred to N.C. Little Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.

Tributes

Gloria Anne Matysik

September 3, 1941 - January 30, 2026

Tributes

Gloria Anne Matysik

September 3, 1941 - January 30, 2026

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