Gloria “Gigi” Laurence, 94, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully Sept. 21, 2025, with her family by her side. Her bright smile, perpetual optimism and endless love for her family and friends will be dearly missed.
Gloria Marie D’Anthony was born April 12, 1931, in Red Bank. She had an extended primary education, graduating first from Mrs. Hazard’s Burton Hall, and then from Red Bank Catholic in 1951. From there, she pursued a two-year business school degree, followed by marrying her first husband, Robert “Bob” Haines, in 1954.
After traveling with the Navy for a few years, they settled in Burlington County to raise their two children.
In 1981, Gloria married her sweetheart David and the two of them and young Robert moved to Long Beach Island. Utilizing her business skills and outgoing personality, she had a successful career as a real estate agent for over 35 years.
In 2019, she moved to Red Bank to live with her daughter, Diane, and granddaughter, Jessica, who lovingly welcomed Gigi into their multigenerational family and cared for her in her final years.
Gigi was part of a large Italian family with five brothers and sisters. As with all Italian families, dinners, especially Sunday dinners, were not just a meal but a time when the family would be together, talk about their day, and enjoy (most times) each other’s company. Gigi made sure her family followed this tradition.
Gigi was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She dearly missed each one, especially her beloved baby sister Lucille, who died far too early. She was also predeceased by her husband, Jerome D. Laurence (“Daddy Dave” or “P. Pop”), whom she loved deeply, as well as her beloved son-in-law, Wayne Fisler. They are all making up for lost time together and are certainly having their “titches” of Manhattans and vodka martinis.
Surviving are her beloved children, Diane Haines Fisler and Robert Haines (Gerda); and her beloved stepchildren, Jeffrey Laurence (Cheri), Diane Farmer (Keith), Gary Laurence (Allison), Richard Laurence (Mari) and Lisa Hill (Joseph).
Gigi is the proud grandmother to 18 adored grandchildren and 15 (and counting) beloved great-grandchildren.
A Requiem Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 21 at St. James Church in Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the October 9 – 15, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
