Gloria Askin

Gloria Askin, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by loving family members and the caring staff at Harper’s Station. Born Gloria Collia, she was the cherished daughter of Mary Collia (née De Fazio) and Luigi Collia. Gloria grew up in the close-knit community of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where she spent her early years working in her parents’ Italian restaurant. It was there that she met the love of her life, Peter Askin, who first came in as a customer. Their chance meeting blossomed into a marriage that lasted 64 years. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; her son, Patrick; her older sister, Josephine; and her younger brothers, Jimmy and Bobby. She is survived by her younger sisters, MaryLou and Debbie. She is also survived by her children: Mark (Eliza) Askin, Daniel (Deborah) Askin, Anna Marie Askin, and Kevin (Heather) Askin. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Danny Jr., Trina, Deanna, Hannah, Stella, David, Peter, Jacob, Samantha, Natalie, and Jonathan, and a joyful great-grandmother to Elijah, Kaitlyn, Hank, Nell, Jack, Lucy, George, Josie, Ella, Hattie, and Betty. Throughout her life, Gloria lived in many places, including Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Missoula, Montana; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Silver Spring, Maryland; Guatemala; Paraguay; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Northern Virginia; and Vero Beach, Florida. Her travels reflected her support of her husband’s career with the State Department and her deep love for family. Gloria will be remembered as a devout Catholic whose faith guided her life, a fantastic cook who brought people together around the table, and a gracious host who delighted in hospitality and entertaining. She was also deeply committed to volunteer work and took great pride in raising her five children. A funeral Mass will be held on July 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Virginia. A Celebration of Life will follow at Harper’s Station in Gainesville, Virginia, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor. Above all, Gloria’s legacy is one of love, faith, family, and generosity. She touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and enduring spirit, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Gloria Askin

November 24, 1931 - July 11, 2026