Gloria Jean Zimmerman

Gloria Jean Zimmerman, 81, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 29, 1945, Gloria lived a life filled with laughter, friendship, honesty, and deep love for those around her. She had a gift for connecting with people. She brought warmth, laughter, and a smile that could instantly make your day better. Whether she was working at Fashion Bar, RainSoft, or simply walking Juju around the neighborhood, Gloria had a way of making friends wherever she went. Her warm personality and quick wit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Family was at the center of Gloria’s life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dog mom whose love extended through generations. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Ott and son-in-law Sean Ott; her grandchildren, Roxann, Brandon, Megan and Megan’s husband, Shane; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Alayah, and Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Zimmerman; her mother, Carmella Hardy; her father, George Hardy; her brother, Pat Hardy; and many beloved family members and friends. Gloria loved putting the top down in her Mustang, with the windows up (she couldn’t mess up that perfect hair), and taking a cruise with her favorite music playing. She had a feisty spirit and was never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. Sometimes the truth wasn’t always what you wanted to hear, but everything she said came from a place of love. She was funny, genuine, and fiercely herself.

To know Gloria was to love her. Her friendships lasted decades, her family adored her, and her presence could brighten any room she walked into.

It is difficult to put into words just how much Gloria was loved. She was the kind of person who left a mark on your heart. Those who knew her will remember her sense of humor, her honesty, her strength, and the way she made people feel seen and cared for. One of the greatest gifts was watching her become a great-grandmother and seeing her build the same special bond with her great-grandchildren that she had with her own grandchildren. Her love, stories, laughter, and spirit will live on through them and through all those whose lives she touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Thornton, Colorado, with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Olinger Highland Cemetery in Thornton.

Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, resilience, humor, and family will never fade. We also find peace in imagining Gloria reunited with her beloved son, Joey, together once again after so many years apart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.