Gloria Massetti (99) passed away on January 15, 2021, at the age of 99. She was born in Madera to Italian immigrants, Nello and Eugenia Barsotti. Gloria attended Madera schools, graduating from MHS in the class of 1940. It was there that she served on the student council and played on the tennis team. On a camping trip to Yosemite with the Camp Fire Girls, she climbed to the top of Half Dome. After graduation, she attended Holy Names College in Oakland where she made lifelong friends.
After college, she returned to Madera and went to work for the Bank of America while waiting for the return of her fiancé, Angelo Massetti, who was in the Navy and serving in the South Pacific. After three years, he returned and they were married in St. Joachim’s Church. Afterward, they welcomed their three children.
Gloria was involved in their activities at St. Joachim’s School, being president of the Mother’s Club and a Blue Bird leader for many years. She was always there for the nuns when they needed assistance. She enjoyed traveling; in particular, her trips to visit relatives in Italy, as well, spending many summers in Santa Cruz with family. She was a wonderful cook and hostess, happiest when entertaining family and friends and doting over her grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes was working in her beloved garden and making beautiful flower arrangements.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Angelo Massetti and her grandson, Kyle Lauck.
Gloria is survived by her children: Janet Lauck and her husband Steve; Bill Massetti and his wife, Karen; Carol Walters and her husband, Bill. Her grandchildren: Stephanie, Jennifer, Alison, Anne, Brett and Megan. And her nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to her loving caregiver, Carmen Garcia.
Remembrances may be made to the Madera Historical Society, St. Joachim’s School or Madera Animal Shelter.
Private services were held due to Covid-19