Gloria Priscilla (Alden) Korman, born January 3, 1929, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 28, 2026. Gloria was preceded in death by her mother Priscilla (Alden) Helms and her father Willard Helms. She was adopted by her grandfather James M. Alden and his wife Onita (Tinder) Alden in 1933, who both preceded her in death. Gloria’s brother James M. Alden II also preceded her in death. Gloria married Jack A. Gray in 1947 with whom she shared three daughters who survive: Marcia Anne Gray-Ford, Mary Susan Casarez (Paul Apodaca) and Carol Lynn Gray. Gloria married Jerome Korman in 1961 and gained three step children: Michael Korman (deceased), Douglas and Hanahn (Cherie) Korman survive.

Gloria adored her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren who all survive. Grandchildren include Elizabeth Gates, Jason Todd, Kelly Seaton (Jim), Paul Korman (Rhonda), Ian Korman (Apakorn), Michelle (Korman) Nowak (Steve), Wesley Casarez, Kaitlyn Ford-Schrock (Randy). Great grandchildren include: Cory Winans, Erich Nelson, Donnie Squires (Erin), Emily Casarez, Makayla Casarez, Samantha Todd, Kamden Ford (Leigh), Holly Casarez, Isabel Nowak, Samantha Nowak, Arista and Alynda Korman. Great great grandchildren include Raelin and Rory Squires. Also surviving is Gloria’s “gentleman friend” Terrance Hatfield with whom she shared 12 years. She is also survived by two nieces, Sherie Alden (Erin) and Suzanne Rayome (John) and one nephew James M. Alden III (Diana) who considered Gloria their “favorite aunt”.

Gloria graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in January of 1947 where she excelled in drama class. She worked as a medical assistant for various doctors and surgeons in Kalamazoo. Gloria was a frustrated nurse and diagnosed her family correctly 90% of the time. She retired from Upjohn Healthcare in 1988, after which she and her husband (Jerry) moved to Florida. She loved Florida since her first visit as a child. In Florida (where her heart always yearned to be), she was employed as a medical assistant and a security officer for a gated community. In 2010, she moved back to Portage, MI to be closer to family. Her spiritual life was important to her and in her later years she spent much time studying scripture with her daughters and family. Her favorite activities were golf, playing bridge, listening to music and dancing, writing to her loved ones and being on the water.

Many thanks and appreciation to the staff of Senior Care Partners PACE for their exceptional treatment during her end of life care.

Memorial services will take place on May 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the following location:

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

929 E. Centre Ave

Portage, MI 49002

Send cards or flowers of condolence to:

10245 Foxhollow Ct.

Portage, MI 49024

Clgray8337@gmail.com

In memory of Gloria, you may send donations to her following favorite charities:

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

929 E. Centre Ave

Portage, MI 49002

SPCA of Southwest Michigan

6955 W. KL Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Website: www.spcaswmich.org

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Rescue)

PO Box 2281

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Website: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Gloria's guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family.

The Korman family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.