Gloria Maier Vacchi passed away on June 30, 2025 at the age of 96 having lived a long, full and rich life.  She was deeply loved by her long time husband and soulmate Fred Vacchi who predeceased her and her family of children and grandchildren.  She was a devoted mother, Noni, and BisNoni, and sister and aunt.  She is survived by her children, Denise Lord of Belgrade, Maine, Peter and his wife (her second daughter) Joyce Vacchi of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Jim Vacchi, of Northhampton, Massachusetts.  Gloria was blessed with five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, Rebecca Lord and her children, Lea and Alex; Nathan Lord and his wife Tina and their children, Malachi, Josiah, and Elijah; Christoper Vacchi and his wife Jolee and their children, Jillian and Flynn; Timothy Vacchi and his partner Kelsey Currier and their child Cooper; and Eric Vacchi.  Fred’s brother Tom Vacchi of Fort Lauderdale, Florida continued to be a part of her life.

Glo, as she was called by Fred, was an apt nickname.  She was always ready with a smile, the first on the dance floor, and enjoyed the occasional practical joke. Together they traveled the world and shared many adventures including two coup d’etats, years of boiled water, and many poor airplane connections.  She and Fred shared over 60 years of marriage, and she often described the two of them as Frick and Frack. 

She accompanied Fred on his foreign assignments to many countries including Cyprus, the Netherlands, Brazil, Iraq, the Philippines and Liberia.  Despite tough living conditions, she was always able to find a bridge match and kept a well stocked pantry of mixed nuts and other nibbles.  She and Fred returned to Plymouth, their hometown, upon retirement and spent their time doing what — more traveling!  Always at the ready, Elder Hostel’s listing of programs provided opportunities to see new sights and learn new things.  They were frequent riders on local bus trips, visited national parks, and of course there were all those grandkids to check up on.

Gloria loved card games of every kind, whether it be weekly bridge, whist in the backyard gazebo, poker at South Meadow Village, or bingo at Stafford Hill.  A jar of change was always in the pantry ready for the next game. 

An artsy lady, she filled her free time with all sorts of crafts, knitting and crocheting many sweaters and afghans for the grandkids, gnomes and nativity sets, a doll house complete with wallpaper and furniture, hooked rugs, paintings and the list goes on.  (Our homes are full of her creations!).

Her final years were spent at Stafford Hill Assisted Living where she made new friends, enjoyed bingo games and the many other activities offered, and enjoyed not having to cook — not her strong suit. 

Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 a.m to noon on Friday, July 11th at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Carver, Massachusetts.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a needy family member or a charity of your choice.