Gloria Bertonis
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
September 20, 1932 - June 2, 2026
Gloria Bertonis lived an extraordinary life for 93 years from her childhood in Minersville, PA through all her adult years lived in the same home in Levittown, PA, as an original Levittown resident. She raised 6 children and was a devoted wife in her first marriage to Eugene Ward and the cherished companion of Edward Weiser for more than 40 years.
A woman ahead of her time, Gloria championed women’s
empowerment, lifelong learning, yoga, jogging, health, and wellness long before such pursuits were cool. As a single mother, she earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology in her 50s, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning. An avid reader and natural teacher, she could speak on any topic from anthropology to zoology. A deep, insightful and highly educated thinker, she had many Guest Opinions published in newspapers.
Gloria’s passion for history and travel led her and Ed on adventures abroad to prehistoric sites and historical cities. Drawing on more than three decades of research, she authored Stone Age Divas: Their Mystery and Their Magic (2010), a magnum opus tracing women’s enormous contributions to civilization, completed with the invaluable assistance of her beloved sister, Carol Bernatonis Miranda.
Always a Catholic at heart, Gloria found her spiritual community in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship where she and Ed formed many meaningful friendships. A Board Member of Friends of the Bolton Mansion, she dressed in period clothing while portraying women in American history for fundraising events. She was a dedicated humanitarian, teaching English to immigrants and supporting many charities from Doctors Without Borders to Women for Women International. Gloria was recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for her work as an educator and advocate for women.
Every day of her life, Gloria was a glamorous woman, chic and fashionably dressed with stylish jewelry and sassy hats, even in her 80’s and 90’s and even when home alone. To her family, friends and everyone who knew her, Gloria’s unforgettable presence is engraved on our hearts.
Gloria is predeceased by her sons Kerry, Jeff and Chris Ward Sr, former husband and father of their 6 children, Eugene Ward, grandsons Jared Ward and baby Jeffrey, beloved soul mate Edward Weiser, brothers Bernard and Donald Bernatonis, and many dear friends.
Gloria is survived by her devoted children, Patrice Wynne (Ernesto Perez), Holley Betz (Ray Betz), and Jason Ward; 6 adoring grandchildren, Jay Ward, Sara Werline, Danielle Ward, Chris Ward, Jr, Ryan Ward and Cas Betz; 13 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; a sister, Carol Bernatonis Miranda; as well as many nieces and nephews; a treasured friend, Maryly Hossain; and cousins Suzanne Zefferi and Alan Petrinka.
Gloria will be lovingly remembered for her devotion to family, her love of beauty, her lifelong pursuit of knowledge, her generosity in all things, the grace and dignity with which she lived every day of her extraordinary life and her contributions to life in Bucks County.
For those that wish to honor her life, Gloria requested that donations be made to Women to Women International or to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lower Bucks.
Cremation services were held privately under the direction of the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Homes, Hamilton, NJ.
Please sign our guestbook
Leave a tribute or memory in the comments area, below.