Gloria Jean Coakley

Gloria J. (Magnarelli) Coakley, 84, of Upton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at her home.  She was the beloved wife of the late Harold W. Coakley who died in 2017. They had celebrated 61 years of Marriage.

Born in Newton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Grace (Morello) Magnarelli.  She was raised and educated in Newton.  Gloria had many and varied interests.  As a young woman, she was a Ballerina and taught challenged children how to dance.  She was a seamstress in Watertown Square where she designed and crafted Wedding Gowns.  As well, she and her husband owned and operated Sunshine Dairy in Millis and George’s Restaurant in Waltham.  Upon moving to Kissimmee, FL, she became an interpreter for the Visitor Center in Orlando and took up fishing as a hobby. 

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Coakley-McGowan and husband Mark, of Upton; her grandchildren, Madison and Michael McGowan both of Upton; her siblings, James Magnarelli of Florida, Rita Farrell of Burlington, Frank Magnarelli of Florida, and Ann Madden of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by her son, John Coakley and her sister, Ellen Johnson.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 8, at 10 AM in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 151 Mendon Street, Upton.  Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Upton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s organization.