Gladys A. Guerci

Gladys A. Guerci, 63, of Indian River passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2019. Gladys was born on  January 25, 1956 to Leonard Michael Guerci and Francis Ramona (Montalvo) Guerci on Staten Island, NY. She moved to Michigan in 1978 at the age of 22 and decided she had found home. Her first year in Michigan was spent in the peaceful solitude of the Northern Forests. Having discovered a profound resourcefulness within herself and a network of loving friends Gladys chose to remain a Michigander.

Gladys is survived by her life partner of 20 years, Michelle (Shellie) Johnson, daughters Tricia (Jay) Morford, Heather (Max) Bergeron, grandchildren KacieAnn Morford, Zander Morford, Jaelin Morford, Kyler Morford and Ava Bergeron. Mother-in- law Jackie McNutt, sister-in-law Mary Kelly and brother-in-law Peter Johnson Jr. She also played a larger than life role is the lives of Corey (Janina) Wells (their children Abby and Jaxin), Ashley McGlinch, Carley McGlinch and Ryeley McGlinch. Gladys is preceded in death by her mother in 2009 and her father in 2011.

It is with the deepest love and gratitude that Gladys’ family recognizes her bone marrow donor, Elisa Beth from Germany. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Because of your selfless gift from across the world, we were blessed with 9 beautiful years with GG.

A “hard worker” does not truly describe Gladys Guerci because someone who enjoys their job never works a day in their life; at work or play, joy emanated from Gladys in a palpable way. Her passion for life was remarkable, her accomplishments were many. She was an avid outdoorsman, she built her own home, and she was a lifelong devoted partner and friend. The love Gladys had for others was given freely, and in quantities so abundant it made her truly one of a kind.

Gladys’ connection to music is a defining feature in her life. Her rich voice could be heard ringing from the calm sanctuary of her living room, or from the raucous gathering in her garage. Her powerful hands strumming her guitar with a delicate touch that curiously contrasted her fiery nature.

Gladys was known to her friends and family as a Force of Nature. The kind of person that only comes once in a generation. She was fiercely authentic in the way most will never achieve, she experienced life in the way most lack the courage to. She was a legendary figure, with a personality to match. She was intuitive, intelligent, funny, and a flirt- a born entertainer. Although, Gladys fought for the past decade for her life, it was not fear that drove her. It was love, it was strength, and it was beautiful.

In lieu of flowers Gladys had requested that you donate to an organization that makes a difference for our world...

In celebration of her life, friends and family gathered at the home of Gladys and Shellie in Indian River on August 24, 2019.

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey.

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