Gloria obituary

Gloria Ann (Smith) Janssen

July 20, 1963 - February 5, 2026

Gloria Ann (Smith) Janssen, 62 unexpectedly passed away on February 5, 2026 at

her home in North Port, Florida. Born in Peoria, Illinois on July 20, 1963 to Raymond

B. and Lois J. Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Ville) Niiranen and

two granddaughters, Amilia and Emmalee, of Laitila, Finland; sister, Charlotte (Dan)

Anderson of North Port, Florida and many nieces and nephews. Gloria was preceded

in death by both her parents, two brothers, Ronald and Larry Smith and sister,

Connie Willmert.

Gloria was raised in the Peoria/Pekin, Illinois area. She attended Pekin High School,

graduating in 1981. After high school she attended college at North Central Bible

College in Minneapolis, MN majoring in music. Gloria had a beautiful voice and

loved sharing that God given talent whenever and with whomever she could.

After college Gloria lived in New Lenox, Illinois where she spent several years

working and volunteering for her church then as a house mother for a young

womenâs shelter. In 2019 she relocated to North Port, Florida. Gloria was a kind,

caring, loving person who loved the Lord. She lived her life faithfully and shared that

faith through her music, giving spirit and kind heart.