Gloria Mae Corcoran

Gloria Mae was born on January 30, 1934, welcomed by a loving mother and a devoted father. A year later, she gained a sister, Deanie, who would become her lifelong companion. Heartbreak touched the family early when Gloria’s mother and newborn sister passed away. Through this profound loss, Gloria and Deanie leaned on one another and grew up surrounded by the unwavering love and strength of their father.

After graduating high school, Gloria enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1952, majoring in Interior Design. During her time there, she met Howard Emmert Dietzman, whom she married in 1957. Together they raised four children: Craig Howard, Cari Lynn, Cindy Sue, and Curt William Glenn.

Gloria devoted much of her energy to the 4‑H community, founding several clubs that reflected her creativity and passions. Fur ’n Feathers introduced children to nature, Busy Fingers taught sewing to preteens and young teens, and later she created the 4‑H Doll Club, where adults shared the stories and history of their cherished childhood dolls. The club’s annual Doll Show, held at the 4‑H building in North Branch, became a well‑loved and well‑attended tradition. Later in life, Gloria brought her design talents to the Valspar Paint Company, where she created and organized store displays.

In 1994, Gloria married Adrian Patrick “Pat” Corcoran and moved to the small community of Fawn Valley Park in Pennsylvania. Together, they developed a deep interest in the history and culture of Native American communities. Their marriage lasted 20 years, until Pat’s passing in 2015.

Gloria’s smile was her hallmark—bright, warm, and ever‑present when she spent time with her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step‑grandchildren. She had a remarkable ability to focus on the good in life, even in difficult times, including after the stroke that left her partially immobile. Her optimism never wavered.

Gloria is preceded in death by her first husband, Howard Emmert Dietzman, and her second husband, Adrian Patrick Corcoran. Gloria is survived by her son, Craig Howard; daughter, Cari Lynn, and her partner, Tom; daughter, Cindy Sue; and son, Curt William Glenn, and his wife, Lesia; three step-children, Nadine, Mark and Adrianne; two grandchildren, Ethan Michael and Emily Marie; and 5 step-grandchildren, Nolan, Spencer, Cailin, Brennon and Hayley