Cover photo for Gloria J. "GLO" Van Dorpe's Obituary
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In Memory Of
Gloria J. "GLO" Van Dorpe
1935 2025

Gloria J. "GLO" Van Dorpe

June 4, 1935 — February 1, 2025

Aurora, Colorado

Gloria Jean Van Dorpe, 89 entered into eternal life at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 01, 2025. She passed away peacefully, at her home in Aurora, Colorado, with her 4 adult children by her side. Gloria was preceded in death by her wonderful husband, George A. Van Dorpe Jr., in 2016, and also by their beautiful first-born son, George A. Van Dorpe III, who passed away in 1961. She will be missed by all who know her and love her. To know mom is to love mom.

Born Jun 04, 1935 in Berwyn, Illinois, Gloria Jean Margaret Mary Eilers was one of two daughters that her parents, Arnold G. and Helen L. Eilers, were to have and to love. Gloria's sister, Donna June Eilers, also born in Berwyn Illinois, unfortunately passed away at birth on April 09, 1937. Gloria was raised during the height of the great depression, and became part of the greatest generation of America. She is from a God loving family, and her strong catholic faith has provided the foundation of her extraordinary and devout relationship with Jesus, and our lord God.

Gloria attended grade school at Illinois' St. Atracta's, and graduated (high school) from the Nazareth Academy in La Grange, Illinois. After high school, Gloria attended the St. Jospeh's Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. In 1955, she graduated as a registered nurse, dedicating herself to the care and compassion of people in need. Gloria's mission to help others put her on course to meet the man she is still very much in love with and married to, George A. Van Dorpe Jr.

At the time, George was excelling in his education at Chicago's Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine to become a certified medical doctor. On July 27, 1957, George and Gloria were married and began life together in Cicero, Illinois. George graduated college and, in 1958, the first of their five children, Madonna Louise Van Dorpe, was born in Berwyn, Illinois. She was followed by her little brother, George and Gloria's first son, George A. Van Dorpe III, born July 31, 1959.

George was in the Army Reserves and, in 1959, he was drafted into active service. Soon after George and Gloria moved their family to Aurora, Colorado, where their second of three sons, Steven Arnold Van Dorpe, was born at Fitzsimons Army base, October 25, 1960. At the time, Dr. George A. Van Dorpe Jr. was the on-duty doctor, and father of the child, who delivered Steven at birth! Then, in 1961, George Jr. was awarded his license to practice medicine in Colorado.

But life in the 1960's was very turbulent for the family, as careers would be put on hold, and life would test them severely. Tragedy struck the family on December 26, 1961, when little George III passed away from a heart defect. Blessings soon returned, though when George and Gloria welcomed another wonderful son into the world. George A. Van Dorpe IV was born June 09, 1962, and was also born at the Fitzsimons Army medical hospital. And, again, Dr. George A. Van Dorpe Jr. was the on-duty doctor who, for the second time, delivered his own son at birth! Then, late in 1962, Dr. Van Dorpe was sent to an Army M.A.S.H. unit in South Korea, while Gloria set aside her nursing to be a full-time mother of a growing family. 

In 1964, George returned home, retired from military service. Finally, the family was blessed with their last, beautiful child. Madelynne Claire Van Dorpe was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, in Denver, Colorado, on August 25, 1964.

Over the years and decades, the Van Dorpe clan of Colorado have lived in various cities, but primarily hail from Aurora. George always remained in medical practice there, while Gloria kept up a loving home. In 1976, George and Gloria bought a house in Aurora, Colorado, which is still a family home today. After their children left home, Gloria re-entered the health care work force, still driven by her desire to care for others. In the mid 1980's she began a second career working at The Julia Temple Center, and spent 19 years caring for elderly and infirm patients there. Struggles returned, though, when George was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and, in the late 1990's, Gloria retired and began caring primarily for him.

In 2010, Gloria faced what would be her final challenges. She was stricken with cancer and lost a kidney. Her prognosis was good, but then she encountered complications. Sadly, during a second related surgery, Gloria was rendered a quadriplegic. Shortly after this, Gloria's mother Helen passed away, on December 30, 2010. Then, in 2016, her husband George succumbed to Multiple Sclerosis.

In spite of any situation, though, Gloria was always positive. She displayed peaceful comfort (and patience!), as her children lovingly cared for her during her final years. She also worked very hard. She worked hard to help her caregivers in any way she could. She worked hard to stay healthy and alive. She worked hard because, like her husband before her, she loved life and fought for every second she could get of it. She loved everyone, and grabbed every opportunity to be with them. She lived every moment she could.

Her struggles are over now, and her mortal journey has ended. For us, this is the most difficult of times. For Gloria, it is her deliverance. There is no more wondering, no more fear, no more lack of closure. There is no more discomfort or suffering. Now she is with all of those who have loved her, and have been waiting for her arrival. She is loved and will be missed by very many. She leaves an enormous, gaping hole which cannot be refilled her on this Earth, but now, she has her reward. Gloria is now safely in the caring hands of God.

So, Please, let us pray. Let us say a prayer of thanks to God for the grace that we have known through Gloria. A prayer in celebration of her life and what is has brought to us. A prayer that we can emulate her, live like her, love as she did, and learn to be such a beautiful example of God's great works.


 

 

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Service Schedule

Today's Services

Visitation

Monday, February 17, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Mountain time)

Newcomer Funeral Home, East Metro

190 Potomac St, Aurora, CO 80011

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Rosary

Monday, February 17, 2025

6:00 - 6:30 pm (Mountain time)

Newcomer Funeral Home, East Metro

190 Potomac St, Aurora, CO 80011

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Upcoming Services

Gathering Of Family & Friends

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

9:00 - 10:00 am (Mountain time)

Queen of Peace Catholic Church

13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

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Requiem Mass

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Mountain time)

Queen of Peace Catholic Church

13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

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Mass Of Christian Burial - Family & Friends are asked to meet at Staging Area "A" at 12:45 pm

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

1:00 - 1:30 pm (Mountain time)

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Reception with Family & Friends

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

2:30 - 4:30 pm (Mountain time)

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