Gloria Lorraine Banja

Gloria Lorraine Roberts Banja was born on February 8, 1924 in Bangor, Pennsylvania, as the daughter of the late Jane Ellen Jones Roberts and the late George William Roberts. The youngest of nine children, she was endearingly nicknamed "Aunt Dolly." She taught her friends and family the art of enjoying life. Through her extroverted nature, she united communities. An extremely gratuitous individual, she consistently brought joy in all her interactions, even to strangers. On July 30, 2021, she left this world at the age of 97, yet her eternal influence survives through all the lives she inspired.


Upon graduation from Bangor High School, she joined her siblings working with the US Civil Service on the Panama Canal Zone for three years. She longed for a piece of home. When she heard of a young Army Soldier, Emil Banja, originally from Drifton, Pennsylvania, one hour from her hometown, she immediately wanted to meet him. They fell in love, married, and settled in Easton, Pennsylvania. They had a daughter, Sharon Lee Banja. Gloria remained in Pennsylvania to raise Sharon while Emil completed his Service abroad.


While their home in Easton was being built, Gloria, Emil, and Sharon lived on the 3rd floor of a shared home with some of Gloria's siblings and their children. Gloria mentored the younger girls. When some of her nieces and friends started dating, she provided them with ample dating tips. Gloria was an eternal romantic and matchmaker.


Gloria worked on the manufacturing line at the Dixie Cup factory in Easton, PA for over 30 years. Despite having a full-time position, she still had the energy, drive, and desire to fully maintain her own home and assist with her parent's home in Bangor, PA. Gloria's favorite pet was "Frosty," a West Highland White Terrier. He even travelled with them on multiple family trips. She always reminisced when she saw a picture of a West Highland Terrier.


Upon Gloria's and Emil's retirements, they spent their summers entertaining their grandchildren, Rodanthee and Sonya, or visiting with their robust family of siblings, and grand-nieces and -nephews. Shortly after Emil's passing in 1997, Rodanthee moved to be with her for a year. In 1998, Sonya started college in the Lehigh Valley and visited her each weekend. Within a year after Sonya's graduation from college and entrance into the Army, Gloria started a new chapter when she moved to Oklahoma to be with Sharon in 2003. Gloria lived to entertain her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. Leading up to and on her final day, she was surrounded by her family at her home.


Gloria was passionate about savoring life. She lived for the casinos and horse races in the Poconos, Atlantic City, and Oklahoma. Deriving great pleasure from home-cooked meals, she frequently whipped up Cornish pasties, Czech halupkis, scrootch, meatballs, a variety of cakes, amongst many other favorites. Every summer they spent week-long cabin stays in Worlds End State Park, where extended family came to enjoy cook-outs and nature. Emil worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps to build the rustic cabins and perform general park restoration at Worlds End State Park; therefore, it maintained a special meaning to the family. She was the life of the party at family reunions. With her endless energy, she ensured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always entertained: swimming, amusement parks, miniature golf, or simply card games and puzzles. Always jovial, she sang song lyrics loudly and proudly. Her favorites were "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys and the theme song "Oklahoma" from the musical. She loved the ambiance of the beach.


As a social butterfly, she was universally loved and used that affinity to connect friends and strangers. She never missed an opportunity for dessert and encouraged others to partake freely. Neighbors frequently came over to her house simply to unwind. Part of her affability was her fond use of expletives as part of her everyday language. She complimented strangers frequently and tipped graciously for all services. She hosted many gatherings simply to bring people together. Her spunk, soul, and sass influenced others to freely express themselves.


She is survived by her son-in-law, William Horwell; her granddaughters, Rodanthee Banja Goodell (and husband, Kendal) and Sonya Horwell Heidt (and husband, William); and her four glorious great-grandchildren, Braden, Makenna, Jaxon, and William.

No Services are planned at this time.