GLORIA D. (GARGANI) ERICKSON

Gloria D. (Gargani) Erickson 83, of Blaine Street, Cranston, slipped away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2008 at Cedar Crest Nursing Center, Cranston, after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Claude Erickson. Born in Cranston, she was a daughter of the late Guido and Olga (Garzilli) Gargani. Mrs. Erickson lived a colorful life; attending the Chaloff School of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She studied private voice under her benefactor the late Emma Belden of Newport. She won many scholarships and awards for her singing. A gifted soprano, she toured the East Coast in Hansel and Gretel and made her European opera debut in Rome singing Mimi in La Boheme. When she returned to the U.S. she taught voice. She loved languages and people; exploring careers in hairdressing and as a dental assistant. Gloria was a communicant of St. Brigid's Church, Johnston. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and the Red Sox. She will be sadly missed by her three children, Claudia M. Bazinet of New Hampshire, Johnna A. Roche and her husband Kenneth of Cranston and Guy Erickson of Cranston. She was the grandmother of Justin, Renee, Brian and Jenna. Gloria was the sister of Beverly Gofton of Warwick and Dr. Guy Gargani of Cranston whom she loved dearly. She also leaves her extended family including her wonderful caregivers. Her funeral service will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Friday morning 9-10 a.m. Burial will be in Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Brigid's Church Restoration Fund, 1231 Plainfield Street, Johnston, RI 02919-6994.

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