Gloria Jean Erlicher, age 77, left this earth in the wee morning hours of October 23, 2019, sadly due to medical complications. Her two daughters, and all the compassionate nurses at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, were at her side to make her journey into heaven comfortable and peaceful. Born in Stambaugh, Michigan, Gloria grew up in Old Caspian and met and married her high school sweetheart, James Erlicher, of Gaastra, MI. She had a big loving family, six brothers and sisters, an adoring mother, Catherine Stolberg, and a big-hearted dad, Coby Stolberg. "Glor" was Jim's sweetheart and soulmate of 59 years, a beloved mother to her daughters Lisa and Tina, and a devoted "GG" to 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Gloria's special gift in life is that she loved to love on people. She truly gave of herself. Always sending flowers, financial help, cheerful cards, and fresh-baked goodies. Quite the baker, she worked many years at the Port Washington High School in food service, both in the kitchen and cafeteria. One of the more characteristic ways her heart exuded warmth and love to all was with her extraordinary cookies. When her daughters were little, their friends often sought out Gloria's house for freshly baked cookies after school, the tradition continuing well into their high school years. Over the years, Gloria became quite famous for her tins of homemade Christmas cookies, and baked them for relatives, and neighbors, and coworkers. Gloria also adored tending flowers in her gardens. But became anxious when butterflies landed on her, and abhorred it when the kids would put worms on her. With fruit from her yard, she loved making homemade applesauce, tart and yummy rhubarb bread, and batches of delicious raspberry jam. She also thoroughly enjoyed listening to Willie Nelson, and was moved to dance (and cry) at his concerts on three occasions. Yet, Elvis was her love. Naturally, Jim didn't mind, since even Elvis didn't possess the Stambaugh swagger. And now she'll finally be able to meet Elvis, most likely greeting him with a tin of cookies. Her most cherished memories in life were when she was surrounded by family and loved ones. One treasured event each year was family Christmas Eve at her house. With homemade lasagna and the most spectacular assortment of holiday cookies. For breakfast, homemade heart-shaped French toast was a family favorite. No doubt at this moment, the comforting, inviting smell of fresh baked goods permeates heaven. To honor Gloria's love of children and baking, in lieu of flowers or donations, contributions can be made to Icing Smiles, a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness of a child. (https://icingsmiles.networkforgood.com/projects/21489-donate-now) And good old-fashioned cards of love and prayers can be sent to Jim at 221 W. James Drive, Port Washington, WI 53074. Services held at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish/St. Peter of Alcantara Church on Wednesday, October 30. Visitation at noon, with Mass at 1:30. Family service at St. Mary's cemetery at 2:45. And, did I mention her cookies? We'll be serving them at 3:30 (at the church).