Gloria Vivian Sidman, 104, Born of parents who immigrated from Italy at the turn of the century, Gloria was born and lived most of her young life in Chicago. She was the youngest and the only remaining of four children to Amadeo and Maria Belli (Umberto, Julius, Mario, and Gloria). Gloria’s parents died when she was in her teens and she was taken in by a loving widow, Lillian Sidman who had four children. She fell in love with, and married one of these, Clinton Roy Sidman, who at WW II rushed to join the Army Air Corp. They secretly met and eloped to St. Louis in 1943 during the war, as did many others at the time. Gloria and Roy moved to Oak Park in 1950 and lived there for 22 years before moving to Bloomingdale in 1972. Gloria lived in their home for 43 years before moving to West Dundee.
At 15, Gloria’s first job was separating egg whites from egg yolks at a baking factory in Chicago. She began a career at age 20, working for Illinois Bell, affectionately known as “Ma Bell” at the time. She worked there for 42 years before retiring and thereby becoming one of the phone company’s “Pioneers”.
Gloria’s last three years were spent at beautiful Melody Living in Lake in the Hills, where she made a lot of wonderful friend and was involved in many activities. She felt very loved and safe there.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, grandson, Scot, Great grandson Soren, and son-in-law, Howard (Frances). She is survived by her children, Donald (Gail), Frances, Richard (Chris), 8 grandchildren, Robin (Chris), Michael, Bob, Jim (Iveta), Suzanne (Tim), Steven (Krista), Asley (Robb), and Lindsey and 16 great grandchildren.
Visitation is on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 9:00am at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley., until the Mass of Resurrection at 10am. Burial is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Please, in lieu of flowers, Masses and prayers will be appreciated or donations to Gloria’s favorite charity, Mercy Home, 1140 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
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Dear Fran, everyone at church loved your mom. She was such a beautiful, sweet, and gentle lady. And you did such a wonderful job caring for all of her needs, as well as bringing her to Jesus weekly, pushing her in the wheelchair in all kinds of weather. I am sure she is putting in a good word for you to the Lord. May she rest in eternal peace. And may the Lord continue to bless you for all your good works that you continue to do for all of us. With love from Coleen and Tommy
Fran, I picture your mother with twinkles in her eyes. You took such good care of her. May she be Twinkling joyously in heaven thanks to all your prayers love and faithfulness. Will keep you and your family in my prayers until we all meet “as one in the Lord forever”