Gloria Cortopassi

Last Monday, our mother, Gloria Cortopassi, decided that she had had enough - and let me tell you, when Mom was done with something, that was the end of the discussion. Therefore, she thanked the doctors and nurses for their effort, changed out of the hospital gown into something a little more dignified, and went straight up to that big fishing hole in the sky. There, she was reunited with her sweetheart, Joe, so that they could once again "stroll the golden shores of lakes and streams in search of beautiful trout."
Knowing that her kids had recently lost their father (her husband), she feared that they were still fragile, so she put up a good fight and never complained these last few weeks. She endured all of the typical indignities that come with an epic final battle in a hospital. However, when the FBI (the "Funny Bunny Italian," also known as our Dad) started to come around and whisper in her ear, we told her that we understood. "We will be okay, Mom": We each told her in our own way. "And Mom, tell the FBI we said hello," we added with a wink and a smile.
Elegance has typically been used to describe our mother. However, toughness and stick-to-itiveness must also be used to describe this wonderful lady. How else can you describe a woman who can enter into the life of a man who already had three children and make it work? None of her children or grandchildren ever introduced her as anything other than Mom or Granny. All of us today feel the pain of having lost the very heart of our family.
Final words about our mother wouldn't be complete without mentioning others who are also grieving over her passing, including her beloved cousins, who were like her siblings, and a handful of globe-trotting, poker-playing, golf-club friends who all were very special to her. However, three friends in particular need special mention. One, a recent addition, had come to be known as simply "the angel."The final two were life-long friendships: an impish but oh-so-loveable neighbor, who initially brought our parents together, and a pistol-toting best friend, who made sure every week that Mom got out to dinner for some girlfriend fun.
Finally, if you knew Mom, you know that she appreciated brevity - especially if the talk was about her. Thus, let us keep this brief and request that you come to celebrate her life at Green Hills Mortuary in Rancho Palos Verdes with a reception immediately following at her home.
Gloria is survived by her children, Joe Jr. (Kathy), Melissa (John), and Christine; her grandchildren, Joe III (Courtney), Samantha, Stuart, John, and Nichole; and her great-grandchildren, Leviticus and Nehemiah.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275