Gloria W. Derkay passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Oct. 3 surrounded by her loving family. Gloria exuded love through every aspect of life as a sister, friend, wife, mother, coworker, community member and Grand-Mere. You cannot talk about Gloria without using the word “love.”
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gloria was the daughter of Harry and Rose Wallerstein. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she met the love of her life and husband of 66 years, Lee Derkay. Gloria and Lee shared an indescribable bond that exemplifies how fully two people can care for one another. Their bond serves as the example for the love, care and laughter that their family continues to reflect to one another. She is survived by daughter Lori; sons Craig (Kris Kennedy) Derkay and Howard (Lori “Stukey”) Derkay; four grandchildren, Alex Kennedy, Andy Kennedy-Derkay, Pete (Macy) Derkay and Katey Derkay; greatgrandchildren Cameron, Avi Lee and Dean O’Donnell and brother Shelly (Marilyn) Wallerstein. She is predeceased by her sister, Charlotte (Lloyd) Kiell.
Gloria was a prolific volunteer and active leader in the Greater Washington Area Jewish Community. She devoted thousands of hours to Hadassah, the Bender JCC and Congregation Beth El. She was an active member with multiple leadership positions, including the presidency of Hadassah Greater Washington from 1981-1984, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and the JCC’s Eleanor Sirkis Award for Professional Achievement. Gloria fostered friendships wherever she went. She carried friendships from her youth to her final years. She found deep camaraderie in her communities from Roosevelt High School to Phi Sig to the greens of Norbeck Country Club to her final years at Brookdale Potomac. Her memory will carry on through the love of her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria’s memory may be made to Hadassah (c/o 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20852), Bender JCC (Gloria and Lee Derkay Volunteer Services Endowment) or Congregation Beth El. Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.
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