Gloria J. Balestra, 97, of Gloversville, NY, passed away peacefully at the Johnstown Wells House on January 6, 2025.

Gloria was born on August 9, 1927, to the late Robert Spraker and Marion Spraker in Fort Plain. Following school, Gloria was married to the late Nicola Balestra, whom she shared 50 years of marriage with, until his passing in 2000. Gloria lived her life as a stay-at-home mother and caretaker to her mother, whom she adored.

Gloria's favorite past times were crocheting, bowling, camping at Pine Lake, riding her bike, and spending time with her family. Gloria was the most charismatic, funny, humble, caring, loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. She was selfless and would sacrifice anything to help those in need and always put others first.

She loved to engage with all of those around her with her funny humor and jokes; she loved to get a rise out of people. She was stubborn to no fault and got a thrill out of proving others wrong. She could accomplish anything she put her mind to.

Gloria loved her family and enjoyed sharing with others that she was a great-great-grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband Nicola Balestra; parents Robert and Marion Spraker, and grandson Gary P. Balestra II.

Gloria leaves behind her son Gary (Cindi) Balestra and daughter Barbara (James) Handy; grandson Jason Bowler; granddaughters Heather (Steve) Raffan and Renee (Jonathan) Gancarz; great-granddaughters Jordan (Kyle) Pelky, Bracie Vose, and Bailey Gancarz; great-grandsons Kent Vose and Troy Bowler; as well as great-great-grandsons Walker Miller and River Pelky.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 12pm to 2pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. A service of remembrance will be held at 2pm at the funeral home. Gloria will be laid to rest at St Michael's Cemetery in the spring, next to her beloved Nicola.

Instead of purchasing flowers, the family asks that instead you make a donation in Gloria's memory to the National Kidney Foundation by check to 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 or online Get Involved | National Kidney Foundation .