Gloria Larkin

October 23, 1940 - July 14, 2021

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St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 |

Friday 7/23, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Reception

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 |

Friday 7/23, 2:00 pm

Heaven has gained a wonderful new voice as Gloria Loaine Larkin, 80, wife of the late Ronald Larkin, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

Born in Geneva, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Ora and Genevieve Albright Ballinger. Gloria grew up in Batavia, Illinois, surrounded by music. With her sister Melodie, she attended countless concerts and recitals with her mother and father (who was a classically-trained violinist, conductor, and composer). While she could play piano for hours, and despite never quite mastering what she described as “perfect pitch,” she found her instrument was God-given. Gloria graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Music, with a Bachelor’s degree focusing on vocal performance. It was at Northwestern where she met the love of her life, Ronald, during a campus-organized service project.

Inextricably linked to her love of music, Gloria was a lifelong, devout Episcopalian. She regularly attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and before that, Christ Church in Greenville and St. Paul’s in Jackson, Michigan. Everywhere she worshiped, she participated actively in the church’s choirs and music programs offering praise to God through her many musical gifts. To say she enjoyed singing in the choir is an understatement. Her life revolved around music, particularly chorale music. Gloria sought out every opportunity to sing that she could. From Sunday morning marathons where she would sing at every service, to leading several Children’s Choirs, to singing in various community plays, including with Ron in various Gilbert and Sullivan productions. She also treasured participating in several Berkshire Choral Festivals. Her voice only got stronger as she got older. And, you could never miss hearing Gloria sing. Her soprano voice was beautiful, and will be remembered by all of those who knew her.

In addition to sharing her musical talents, Gloria was a lifelong learner, and a fervent continuing education student and volunteer teacher at OLLI at Furman University. Gloria was an active member of the Greenville Symphony Guild, a past member of the Jackson Michigan Chorale, a member of the Fountain Inn Chorale and an active supporter of the arts wherever she lived.

An avid traveler, and a tireless hiker, she was known by her family to have every day of family vacations packed full of things to do and see. She was also a meticulous gardener, and she should have won an award for her recycling prowess.

Above all, Gloria was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. She needed little, but gave so much.

She is survived by daughter, Lisa Saines and her husband, Charlie, of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Thomas Larkin and his wife, Rhandi Edwards, of Portland, Oregon; son, David St. John-Larkin and his wife, Celeste, of Denver, Colorado; thirteen grandchildren, Joshua Warwick, Kayla Warwick, Tristan Warwick, Jonathan Saines, Chloe Larkin, Megan Larkin, Brian Larkin, Suzanna Larkin, Nolan Larkin, Emmeline Larkin, Shane Larkin, Ian Larkin, and Quinn Larkin; and great-granddaughter, Anastasia Warwick. Gloria is also survived by her sister-in-law Sandra (Larkin) Macomber and her husband, Harry.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gloria was preceded in death by her sister, Melodie Eberle.

The Rite 1 Requiem Mass will be Friday, July 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where a reception will follow. Gloria will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Ron, in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the video link on the main obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United-Ministries.org or UpstateForever.org.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” on the main obituary page.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 | Map

Friday 7/23, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Reception

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1002 South Main Street

Greenville, South Carolina 29601

864-235-5884 | Map

Friday 7/23, 2:00 pm

UNITED MINISTRIES, UPSTATE FOREVER

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Heaven has gained a wonderful new voice as Gloria Loaine Larkin, 80, wife of the late Ronald Larkin, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Born in Geneva, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Ora and Genevieve Albright Ballinger. Gloria grew up in Batavia, Illinois, surrounded by music. With her sister Melodie, she attendedContinue Reading

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While almost a year has gone by since you've passed, my love for you is still so strong. You will forever be missed, but forever go down in history as one of the best grandmas ever. The last day that I ever saw you in person was on Mother's day with almost every other person in my immediate family, which I think was the perfect day to say goodbye without knowing it. I'm so grateful for everything you've ever done for me, and for our time together. While I may not be able to spend more time with you, I will forever have a special place for you in my heart. Lots of love, Emmeline

In memory of Gloria Larkin, Emmeline lit a candle

I just learned of Gloria’s death and I am so very sorry to hear of it. Gloria was an enthusiastic member of Batavia High School’s Class of ‘58 and despite the distance, she usually made the trek back to Illinois to join in class reunions and birthday parties. It was always so nice to catch up with her very active life and to see her bright smile. She will be missed. I will be sending out the sad news to the rest of our classmates.

Your Mother/Grandma was a very caring and thoughtful neighbor to us. She was always learning and had interesting information to share. We are very thankful we had the opportunity to know her. She was truly a friend to us and we miss her! We are praying for God's comfort, peace and strength for each of you during this very difficult time. Tim and Millie Nafziger

I am so sad to hear of Gloria's passing. I enjoyed knowing her and sharing with her so many things. She packed so much living into her time here. My deepest sympathy to her beautiful family. May she rest in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Gloria Larkin, Christian Scheele lit a candle

My feelings for all the Larkin family are too deep to express in this note. I will always have a special place in my heart for memories of Gloria and Ron and all the family. My sincere condolences.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking by phone with Gloria in regards to items she had saved throughout the years she spent at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Michigan. She was a very thoughtful and generous lady, and we are so thrilled to have received the package she sent. Our prayers are with your family, may you find peace in your memories. St. Paul's Parishioners

So sorry to hear about your Mom. We Spoke shortly before her passing. So glad we had this talk with promise to see each other soon. Please let’s plan to see each other when you feel up to doing so. God bless all of her family. Sincerely. Nancy Forsell

We have known Gloria since we first moved to Greenville in 2007. We shared many musical interests and occasions. We send our sincere condolences to her family.

I had a friend Gloria who embraced me in her life like I was her own child. I don’t consider myself part of the family, only that it was her way to make those who she loved feel so very special and important to her. My message to the family is simple: thank you for letting me enjoy such a dear friendship. Gloria and I shared such a love for orchestral pieces that we’d always seem to break out in a verse or strain when we got together. I especially miss sitting down at the piano to play and sing with her. I loved talking about experiences performing and favorite chorales. One such piece we’d most often lament as a favorite is Randall Thompson’s Alleluia. I am listening to it now, over and over, as it was one of our mutual favorites. I cannot hear this beautiful piece without thinking of Gloria. I had looked forward to visiting her this fall when I take my daughter to college. After our most recent chat, Gloria reached out to my daughter in a hand written letter sharing an open invitation to visit and offered her support. She shared news articles on College of Charleston. She made Katelynn feel ever more comfortable with her choice to go to school in South Carolina. I listen to one more refrain of Alleluia by the Robert Shaw Chamber Choir, from their album Angels on High and trust heaven has one more angelic voice that will join in welcoming all of us. Thank you Gloria for loving me and your family as much as you have.

Ms Gloria was a dear friend and wonderful neighbor. She had a generous heart always quick to share something wonderful she had cooked , a garden tip, an interesting article , her love of classical music and the best of all a hug during a tough time. She will be sorely missed .

Dear Gloria, We met in Greenville 17 years ago at a book sale, you were a volunteer always helping. You spent a lot of your time helping me to improve my American language. We became very good friends. And even after coming back to France, we keep in touch. I will miss you a lot. Toutes nos sincères condoléances à David, Tom et Lisa et leur famille.

Gloria will always remain in our heart for ever. Thank you for all the nice moments we had together, we are going to miss you. Condolences to the whole family

Peter and I will miss Gloria, as a hiking friend and choir member, and as a sharer of afternoon tea. Our condolences to the family for your great loss.

To the Larkin family my condolences. I only knew Gloria for a short time at exercise class at senior action. She was a very special lady indeed. Ann Magnus

I will keep on loving you forever and ever, and will miss your fruit sticks you send us.

As Gloria's next door neighbor for 20 years, she will surely be missed. Our deepest sympathy to her family. Chris and I are really sad for her loss.

Gloria, I am glad you were part of my life. We enjoyed many happy family memories together. Your gift of music has passed to your grandchildren in so many different ways. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. -Doug

For an ever constant and loyal friend I've had the privilege to work with and know for many years, Gloria has been a true blessing. She will always be remembered for her musical gifts and for her ever giving nature. So many fond memories. Condolences to the whole family. May God bless and comfort all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Gloria really knew how to make her family feel loved. She will be greatly missed.

Grandma, may you rest in peace and happiness. You are loved so greatly.

Gloria and I were not only soprano buddies in the Fountain Inn Chorale, but we had a love for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. We would often see each other when attending a concert. Gloria will be missed.

I had the good fortune to sit beside Gloria in the Fountain Inn Chorale, where she was my north star for notes and always a joy to be around. We are going to miss her beautiful spirit!

Michael and I are very sad to know that Gloria has passed from this life. We met her through the OLLI program at Furman University. I sang with her in The Fountain Inn Chorale. We came to know her as a good friend. She was such an inspiration to both of us. We will miss her greatly.

The loss of Gloria's voice on earth is enormous and we are certain that she sings on. Those of us with the Fountain Inn Chorale are saddened beyond belief and we hope her family knows they have our deepest condolences.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.