Gloria June Whiteman, a heart rooted in kindness and devotion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the age of 96, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on July 11, 1929, to Hershel and Lura Ethel (Tennant) Enfield at St. Joseph Hospital, Gloria lived a long and full life marked by faith, family, and an unwavering spirit of endless generosity.

Gloria was the dearly beloved wife of the late Richard E. Whiteman, with whom she shared over 45 years of a blessed life and cherished memories. Together, they navigated the joys and challenges of life, building a home, a business, and a family, leaving a lasting legacy of enduring love. She was a devoted mother to her children, Richard (Guinevere) Whiteman of Ontonagon, MI; Robert (Sandra) Whiteman of Osceola, IN; Barbara (Ronald) Truhler of South Bend, IN; and William (Lisa) Whiteman of Osceola, IN. Gloria's endless love extended to her six grandchildren, Peggy Whiteman, Jill Whiteman, Andrew Whiteman, Austin (Victoria) Truhler, Carly Truhler, and Adam Whiteman. Her family continues to grow, including three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, and the joyous anticipation of one more great-grandchild on the way.

Born a few months before the Great Depression, Gloria lived through much change in this world; from doing her homework by lantern light as a child, to asking “Alexa” to play her favorite music. Being the eldest daughter in the family, she helped her mother raise her many siblings. She would grow with, love, cherish, and care for her brothers and sisters throughout their lives.

Gloria was a lifelong resident of South Bend, growing up in her beloved River Park. A proud member of the John Adams High School Class of 1947, she cherished the lifelong friendships formed there. She and her classmates continued gathering for class reunions for over 65 years, a testament to her loyalty and love for her community. She was a dedicated member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in South Bend, and her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, which guided her life and values. Her greatest treasure was her entire family, with whom she loved spending time together—baking peanut butter fingers, attending family reunions, and creating lasting memories.

In addition to her numerous family obligations, Gloria was also employed in the community. While raising her family, she worked in the office at Lincoln Elementary School and worked for the U.S. Census Bureau for several decades. Later, Gloria worked in the front office of Ehrich Machine for over 10 years and helped manage her husband’s automotive businesses.

Gloria was a proud patriot who loved her country dearly. Her husband was a Navy veteran of D-Day, and she honored that love daily by wearing her signature red, white, and blue beaded necklaces. She also loved visiting the Potawatomi Zoo, sometimes going as often as once a week, as well as enjoying monthly visits to the History Museum and Studebaker Museums of South Bend with her longtime neighbor and friend, Jean.

She is preceded in death by her siblings, Gordon Enfield, Donnabell Cain, George Enfield, Marilyn Casper, Beverly Metz, Douglas Enfield and Patricia Woods. Gloria was a wonderful aunt to her many nieces and nephews as well as a loving neighbor and friend to all.

As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life well-lived and a journey marked by grace and love. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were touched by her gentle spirit. Gloria's memory will be cherished, her lessons remembered, and her love felt forevermore.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to everyone at Providence Home by Fir and Paradigm Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness and support.

Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, December 30th at Palmer Funeral Home—River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am on Wednesday at the church, prior to the service. Gloria’s ashes will be interred at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.

Contributions in memory of Gloria may be donated to Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue South Bend, IN 46615 or via their website at www.potawatomizoo.org.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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