Gloria D. Laurence - Red Bank, NJ

Gloria “Gigi” Laurence passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, September 21st at the age of 94. Her bright smile, perpetual optimism, and endless love for her family and friends will be dearly missed.

Gigi was born Gloria Marie D’Anthony on April 12th, 1931, in Red Bank, NJ. She had an extended primary education graduating first from Mrs. Hazard’s Burton Hall, followed by the traditional 3 years of high school from Red Bank Catholic where she graduated in 1951. From there it was a two-year business school degree followed by marrying her first husband Robert “Bob” Haines in 1954. After traveling with the Navy for a few years, they settled in Burlington County, NJ to raise their two children.

In 1981, Gloria married her sweetheart David and the two of them and young Robert moved to Long Beach Island. Utilizing her business skills and outgoing personality, she had a successful career as a real estate agent for over 35 years.

In 2019, she moved to Red Bank to live with her daughter, Diane and Granddaughter, Jessica who lovingly incorporated Gigi into their multigenerational family and cared for her in her final years.

Gigi was part of a large Italian family with 5 brothers and sisters. As with all Italian families, dinners, especially Sunday dinners, were not just a meal but a time when the family would be together, talk about their day, and enjoy (most times) each other’s company. Gigi made sure that her family followed this tradition and It’s something that we all should strive to maintain.

Gigi was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She dearly missed each one, especially her beloved baby sister Lucille who left us far too early. She was also predeceased by husband Jerome D. Laurence “Daddy Dave”, or “P. Pop” who she loved deeply, as well as her beloved son in law Wayne Fisler. I’m sure they are all making up for lost time together and, as we speak, are having their “titches” of Manhattans and vodka martinis.

Surviving are her beloved children, Diane Haines Fisler, and Robert Haines, (Gerda), her beloved stepchildren, Jeffrey Laurence, (Cheri), Diane Farmer, (Keith), Gary Laurence, (Allison), Richard Laurence, (Mari) and Lisa Hill, (Joseph).

Gigi is the proud grandmother to her 18 adored Grandchildren and 15 (and counting) beloved Great Grandchildren.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St James Catholic Church in Red Bank at 10:00AM on Tuesday, October 21st