Obituary: Gloria D. Kane

Gloria D’Ambrosio Kane, 87, of South Barrington, died, July 4, 2013. 
She was born on November 6, 1925, to Melchiori and Mary D’Ambrosio, in Chicago. 

Gloria D. Kane died of heart disease. She was a woman of wisdom, grace, and strength. As one of two sisters, she was encouraged by her father to play sports and learn to drive. Her parents had not gone to high school, yet supported Gloria and her sister Mary Jane in their education to earn graduate degrees. At a time when most women did not go to college, she received a B.A. from St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, and a Master’s in zoology from Northwestern University. She spent time doing research at the Woods Hole Institute on Cape Cod, then became a high school biology teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. Although she continued to teach after her marriage, she retired from teaching to raise her family. 

In 1952 she married the love of her life, her husband of 61 years Dr. James Kane. She said that Jim had confidence, ambition, and a sense of fun and adventure. Together they raised four children, and moved from Chicago to the northwest suburbs when Jim began his medical practice. They then moved to Connemara Farm in South Barrington in 1968, where they had built the home that became a focal point for family and friends for 49 years. Gloria had introduced Jim to riding on their honeymoon, and a horseman was born. At the farm they raised horses, dogs, cats, and stray wildlife. Gloria was ever a gracious hostess for riding and ice skating parties, where hockey and snowmobiling went into the wee hours for children of all ages. 

Gloria promoted education for her children and grandchildren. Moreover, she had great understanding of people, and was instrumental in helping her family find careers that matched their talents and personalities. Gloria was observant, insightful, and thoughtful. She had great strength of character, with a quiet determination on behalf of others and for what she felt was right. We will miss her guidance, generosity, and her personal strength. 

Gloria is survived by her loving husband, Dr. James M. Kane; children Mary (Vern Kerchberger) Kane, Elizabeth (Steven Shandley) Kane, James Kane Jr. and Patricia Kane (Robert) Schmidt; grandchildren Eric, Matt and Anne Marie Kerchberger, Maura, Lisa and Colleen Shandley, Jenna, James III, Kathleen and Tara Kane, and Isaac Schmidt; in-laws Edna and Joseph Lynott, Ruth Kane and Marcia Greco Kane; and nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Jane D’Ambrosio, and her brother-in-law Dr. William Kane. 

Memorials may be made directly to St. Anne Catholic Church. 

Obituary from Davenport Family Funeral Home