Bushnell, Gloria M.

Gloria M. Bushnell, 83, of Manchester, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. A memorial service celebrating Gloria's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, Manchester. A luncheon will follow at the church. Per her wishes, Gloria has donated her body to the University of Iowa Hospital. Cremation will follow at a later date.

Gloria is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Richard; son, Miles Bushnell of Sunnyvale, Calif.; daughter, Joanna Roland (George) of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Erik and Elizabeth Roland, also of Bettendorf; aunt, Esther Reed of Manchester; sister-in-law, Freda Brandt of Cedar Rapids; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russell; sister-in-law, Lorraine Young; and brother-in-law, William Young.

Gloria was born to Lydia and Sylvester Miller in Dubuque, Iowa, on Dec. 4, 1926. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1944. She attended Coe College and St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, where she began her nursing career. Gloria married Richard M Bushnell August 29, 1948, in Manchester. They owned and operated Bushnell Plumbing and Heating. Gloria was a compassionate and caring nurse, retiring in Manchester as the director of Nursing at the Good Neighbor Home.

Gloria was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where she served as church organist. She was a member and past president of her PEO chapter. Gloria had a beautiful servant heart as was evidenced in her involvement in many community organizations. She was an accomplished pianist and organist who loved attending the Cedar Rapids Symphony concerts. Gloria was an avid reader, fabulous cook and loved sharing time with family and friends. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home is caring for Gloria and her family. The following website is provided for more information:

Special thanks to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and the Meadows of Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Manchester, and the Good Neighbor Society of Manchester.

Gloria will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.