Last year, Key Biscayne lost one of its most admired and favorite residents, when Gloria Johnson suddenly passed while visiting her family in California.
After her husband Walter died, Gloria devoted herself to her beloved Brazilian community, dedicating countless hours to the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce & the Centro Cultural Brasileiro.
Johnson also found her passion in serving the Island community she loved, joining the Vestry at St. Christopher’s, embracing and volunteering with the A Zero Waste Culture and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Key Biscayne.
Last week, members of the Rotary Club gathered at the Key Biscayne Beach Club to dedicate a brick in Johnson’s name at the entrance to the Club, by the flagpole.
Rotary Club of Key Biscayne President Pat Romano read from a prepared statement written by Rotarian Pamela Gordon.
“It is difficult to put into words the impact that Gloria had on all of us,” Gordon’s statement read. “Gloria had this incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome, that we belonged. She exuded calm and love and had a smile that could light up any room.”
“As we say goodbye, let’s remember Gloria not with tears, but with gratitude. Let’s be grateful for having shared Gloria’s company and total commitment to Rotary.”
Toby Rohrer, longtime resident and Rotarian and a close friend of Gloria said, “personally, I am grateful for having shared a journey of almost 30 years with such a luminous, smart and loving person.”
In closing, Romano said, “Rest in peace, dear friend. You’ll forever be in our hearts.” As Allene Nicholson, another dear friend, says: “Be more like Gloria.”