Gloria Louise (Lamb) Gardella, 87, died of natural causes Saturday, July 18 at Sonora Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Clarinda, IA, an only child. She lived in Sonora for 75 years.

She graduated from Sonora High School in just three years.

She was a housewife. She was the first female planning commissioner in Tuolumne County.

She taught dancing to seventh and eighth graders in the 1950s and 1960s. She started a Y.A.T. club as an alternative to P.T.A. She enjoyed square dancing and traveling to places such as Europe, South America, and Australia. She was a member of Y.L.I. and Figli d’Italia.

She is survived by her children, Jack (Tricia) of Jamestown, Linda (Ben) Cassinetto of Knights Ferry; grandchildren, Michelle (Brad) Keefe of Jamestown, Jodi (Craig) Richey of Jamestown, John (Sarah) Gardella of Jamestown, Monica (Lour) Frere of Sierra Vista, AZ, Stephen Dietrich III of Scotland, Beth Dietrich of Sierra Vista, AZ, Chris Gardella of Glendora; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jack Gardella, Sr. in 2007; son, David in 2003; granddaughter Gina; grandson, David Jr.; and her parents, Geneva and William Earl Lamb.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home, Sonora. A mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with a gathering following the mass.

Remembrances may be made to the Sonora Area Foundation Gardella Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 577, Sonora, CA 95370.

Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home, Sonora, in charge of arrangements.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

July 22, 2009