Gloria Jean Poulsen 61, of Damascus, Maryland passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at her home following an extended battle with cancer. Born March 31, 1955 in Cheverly, Maryland, she was the daughter of Ralph Edgar Woltz II and Inez Monson. Gloria grew up in Rogers Heights, MD but made Damascus her home. She was the wife of C. Eric Poulsen for 42 years. They met following a destined encounter that began a lifetime of love and friendship, marrying October 8, 1974.
Gloria’s poise and beauty were enduring. Upon High School graduation, she became a successful fashion model and make-up artist, appeared in many publications and fashion shows, and had roles in several major motion pictures, working with the likes of Tom Hanks, Charlton Heston, Al Pacino and Goldie Hawn. Gloria with her love of interior design, created a beautiful home and was the perfect hostess. Those who knew her well appreciated “Glosie’s” sense of humor; she loved “getting silly” with her sisters and playing games with family and friends. She loved warm weather, the beach, sunshine and enjoyed trips over the years to Florida and Hilton Head Island with family. She took great care in looking after her mother and would take her along on family vacations. Gloria loved nature and animals (especially cats) as evidenced by her care of even the smallest of God's creatures- she would literally not even hurt a fly. She was the beloved “cool” aunt to her nieces and nephews. Gloria adored her son Clint and was a proud Mama Bear, always praising his work achievements and music career. She dearly loved her “boys” and Clint and Eric adored her.
Gloria was a member of the Damascus congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where her husband served as Bishop for several years. She too served in many capacities in the church including Gospel Doctrine and Seminary instructor, chorister, youth leader, and served as a Regional Program Coordinator for the LDS Addiction Recovery Program. As a result of her passion for family history and appreciation for her pioneer heritage, she served as President of the Montgomery County Chapter of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Gloria struggled with challenging health problems throughout her life but took that opportunity to become a passionate reader of the scriptures and relied heavily upon her faith. Her struggles also provided her with compassion for others and she would always lend a listening ear to anyone in need.
She is survived by her husband Clinton Eric Poulsen, Sr., son Clinton E. Poulsen, Jr. of Midvale, Utah; sister Janet Johnson (Eric) of Abbottstown, PA; sister-in-laws, Jill Bullock of Woodbine, Maryland, Deborah Barnes of American Fork, Utah, Peggy Magill (Tom) of Payson, Utah. She is preceded in death by her sister Beverly Dianne Kines, brothers Ralph Edgar Woltz II and Douglas Randolph Woltz as well as both parents.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM on Friday, February 24 and Saturday 9-10:15 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 7255 Ridge Road, Mount Airy 21771. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 25 at the same location. Interment and graveside dedication will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick. Flowers will be accepted Friday afternoon at the Mt. Airy Chapel at the address listed above. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help defray funeral expenses may be made to MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 136 East Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD 21787.