Gloria M. Guarino of Milton, formerly of Dorchester, Feb. 24, 2018. She is survived by lifelong and beloved companion Evangeline “Van” Chumacas, formerly of Haverhill and predeceased by eight older siblings, James Guarino of FL, Edith Piergrossi of Quincy, Elsie Heredeen of Norwell, Arthur Guarino of Pocasset, Emily Auglis of Bridgewater, Rosalie Sturgis of FL, Mario Guarino of CA, and Rae Caliri of Quincy. Devoted and loving Aunt of the late Janet (Guarino) Coull of Quincy, James Noel Guarino of FL, Robert Guarino of VT, Richard Guarino of Marstons Mills, the late Gerald Guarino of FL, Douglas Guarino of FL , Glenda Rocchi of Plymouth, Elaine Heredeen of Salem, Denise Heredeen of NH, Thomas R. Caliri and Richard M. Caliri, both of Marshfield. Also survived by many grand nieces and nephews. She also leaves her devoted and compassionate long time care giver Alicia Forte of Dorchester.

After graduating college where she met Van, Gloria spent most of her adult life helping others. She began her career in the health care field as a Medical Technician in Boston working for Dr. Ethan Allen Brown. As a renowned and innovative allergist, he had published many studies on allergies, their causes and treatments, most notably in the New England Journal of Medicine. Gloria and Van worked side by side treating patients including many famous Red Sox players and members of the Yawkee family. They also traveled the world with Dr. Brown visiting over fifty different countries as part of their professional research. Gloria later was very active in spearheading the organization of many blood drives for the benefit of children with leukemia.

An avid skier in her day, Gloria frequented her favorite Mt. Cranmore in North Conway, NH and loved to spend summer vacations with Van in Ogunquit, ME. She especially loved children and cherished spending time with her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Her generosity is only exceeded by the love of her family and she was known for hosting the holidays with loved ones, providing exquisite food and drink for all to enjoy. Coming from a large family, there were always crowds of people for her to host at special occasions.  Gloria was somewhat of an epicurean and enjoyed preparing gourmet dishes and old world Italian recipes handed down from her mother. She also frequented many of the top restaurants in Boston, and characteristic of her generosity, invited friends and family to join her. She was a Classical music lover and enjoyed attending Opening Night at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, but also loved listening to her favorite singer, Frank Sinatra.

Gloria was always very health conscious, especially with her diet and walked regularly when her health allowed. She went to physical therapy weekly and acupuncture as needed as part of her regimen. In her later years she enjoyed taking yoga lessons from one of her favorite nieces, Dotty, who worked religiously with her for over ten years. As a result, even at the age of 92, she was able to faithfully attended 5 o’clock Mass every Saturday, drive herself into Boston for weekly hair or doctor’s appointments and go shopping in the city she loved, while remaining mentally sharp to the end.

Gloria could be feisty and demanding at times, knew what she wanted in life and was never afraid to go for it or speak her mind. She held high standards for herself and expected everyone around her to live up to those ideals. However, her kindness, generosity and unselfishness overflowed to everyone she touched. It was never more evident than in the way she went to such great lengths to take  tremendous care of Van since she became ill. Even after death, Gloria made sure that her kindness would live on through Alicia and her staff, whose loyal and tenderhearted care will continue for Van.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary of the Hills Church, MILTON, Monday, March 5, at 11 o’clock. Visiting Hours in the Dolan & Chapman Funeral Home, 5 Canton Ave., MILTON VILLAGE, Sunday 2-6 pm. Interment Private. Donations in Gloria and Van’s names may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Assoc.