Gloria Jean Wineland, 85, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at AHN Jefferson Hospital, where she passed peace fully surrounded by her loving family. Born Feb. 25, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to John and Julie Sistik Aulicino, Gloria was a 1958 graduate of Monongahela High School. She met her future husband, Dan, when she worked as a carhop at Frankie’s Hotdog Stand. Their marriage of 63 years, until Dan’s passing in 2020, blessed them with five children: Dana (Timothy) O’Rourke of Monongahela, Terri Wineland of Elizabeth Township, Dean (Riza) Wineland of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, Ronald (Mary) Wineland of Monongahela and Roger (Stephanie) Wineland of Monongahela; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Gloria is also survived by her brother, Roger (Sharon) Aulicino; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Wineland Sweeney and Esther Wineland McCarty; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Gloria was a busy and devoted homemaker. Once her children were older, she went to work as a cashier at Foodland and later as a security clerk at Kaufmann’s. Her favorite job was driving a school bus for many years before retiring. She cared about the children she drove, greeted them with a smile or a joke, and became a familiar and trusted presence in their lives. Generations of children and families remember her fondly. Gloria was always willing to give her time to community organizations that were important to her family. She was a Team Mom, active in school PTAs, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. In 1973, she started the Ringgold Band Boosters and served as its first president. Gloria was also a proud past president of the Monongahela Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, where she spearheaded fundraisers that raised a substantial amount of money for much-needed equipment. Gloria was known for baking the best bread, kolache and pies, and for filling roasters with delicious halupki. She had a colorful life and was never short on words. Gloria and Dan’s home was the ultimate Kool-Aid house, where their kids’ friends were always welcome. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she created a home filled with love, laughter, stories and memories that will be treasured forever. She especially enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren take part in the things they loved and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on, whether from the auditorium seats or the bleachers. Those who knew her well could always recognize her distinct whistle rising above the crowd at sporting events. She loved family gatherings and treasured the friendships she made throughout her life. Her friends often say she was always able to turn every occasion into a party. When words fail, music speaks, but Gloria never had a favorite song. The voices of family and friends were the music that filled her life and brought love to her heart. She was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. She was deeply loved, she will be profoundly missed and she will never be forgotten. Because of Gloria’s deep love for children, the family asks all who wish to honor the memory of her life, to send a “memorial gift” in lieu of flowers, to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude. org.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., 427 W. Main St., Monongahela. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, with the Rev. Levi Hartle as celebrant. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.