Gloria Darah Ziton

Gloria Darah Ziton of Sherman Oaks passed away at her home surrounded by loving family Tuesday after an extended illness. A native of Toledo, Ohio she had resided in Southern California since 1961.
Gloria was the youngest of eight children of Louis and Mary (Saba) Darah a prominent businessman in the Toledo community. Both of her parents emigrated from Syria in their youth to join many others of Syrian Lebanese heritage in the Toledo area. Gloria attended the University of Toledo where she met her future husband, Wasfey, with whom she was inseparable through 64 years of marriage. She joined and later became a lifetime member of Zeta Tau Alpha, women's fraternity. She earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Business in 1948, a rare achievement for a young woman at that time. She was an accomplished violinist, dancer, and bowler.
She took her greatest pride in being a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother ("Situ") and homemaker – she was the stable presence around which her family's life revolved. She relished family gatherings, genuinely loved the company of others and was known to be the life of the party. She had a feisty, playful aspect to her personality – one of her most endearing traits, but was never critically judgmental; always there with a genuinely encouraging word for those she engaged with. She faced the trials of life – the loss of her eldest son in 1984, several major surgeries, and other unanticipated challenges with a dignity and grace which endured throughout her life, free of bitterness, never jaded, and always reaching out lovingly to others. She expressed her feelings unabashedly and her warmth and humor extended to everyone who was loved by her…her many relatives, as well as a wide circle of friends of all ages she embraced as part of her family.
Her words of wisdom sustain loved ones and express her unique spirituality and acceptance of life on its terms: "Don't compete, don't compare, reach your own level of excellence" and "Don't strive for happiness, strive for contentment" are among those that comfort and guide her family now.
She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Robert, and six siblings – Paul, Job, Wadea, Julie, Sally, and Adele. She is survived by her husband, Wasfey; an elder brother, William of Toledo, Ohio; two children, Marilyn Reeves (Richard) and Michael Ziton; and two grandchildren, Megan (Ryan Murphy) and Erin, who brought special joy to her in her later years.
Services will be held at 12:30 pm Friday December 6 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills Church of the Hills 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles; Fr. George Taweel of St. Nicholas Cathedral officiating. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.