EAST HERKIMER – Gloria Jean Dury, age 76 most recently of St. Johnsville Nursing Home, passed away peacefully at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Tuesday Morning, January 2, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Gloria was born on November 7, 1947, in Herkimer, the daughter of the late P. John Dury and Dorothy (Bass) Dury. She was a life-long resident of East Herkimer graduating from Herkimer High School with the class of 1965. She received her BS in Secondary Education from SUNY Oswego in 1969. She continued her education and received her master's degree in Secondary Education from Upper Division SUNY – Cortland. Gloria was a kindergarten teacher in the Ilion School System, until her retirement from Remington Elementary School in 2003. Gloria dedicated her life to teaching and worked tirelessly to ensure that her students received the best possible education and enjoyed learning. Gloria enjoyed traveling. She looked forward to trips to Maine and Vermont with her family and enjoyed exploring museums and historical sites with her niece and grandniece. She enjoyed reading and cooking, preparing many delicious meals for family on holidays and for Sunday dinners, She look forward to playing cards or games with family. She traveled to Europe four times with friends. Gloria often spoke of a trip across the United States,that she took with friends, calling it a 'trip of a lifetime.' Gloria will be remembered for her kindness, her loyalty to family and friends, being a good listener and her generous heart. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Gloria is survived by four nieces and two nephews: Deborah DeRusso and her husband, Eugene of East Herkimer, Brad Dury and his fiancé Suzie of Ilion, her niece Donna Stabb and her husband Ed, a niece Judie Stabb, a nephew Rick Edick and wife Nan, a niece Dorothy "Dorie" Page, and her husband Bob all of Oneida. Also surviving are Joan "Cookie" Edick widow of nephew John Edick, several grandnieces, and nephews, including Sarah Lassiter of Brooklyn with whom she shared a special bond. Also surviving are her two beloved feline companions, Jack and Jill. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her sister Edna Edick and her husband Fred, her brother Walter Dury and his wife Janette, Joseph Stabb, husband of Judie and nephew, John Edick. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 18th at the Fort Herkimer Historical Church in Mohawk for Gloria J. Dury, at 3:00 p.m. The family will be present at the church from 2:00 -3:00 pm to receive relatives and friends. The service will follow at that time. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to Herkimer Humane Society. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc.