Gloria Jean Trossbach

Gloria Jean Wood Trossbach of Chestertown, MD, passed away peacefully August 4, 2026, at UMSMC in Easton, MD surrounded by her family. She was 84. Gloria was born in Leonardtown, MD on February 13, 1942, to the late Thomas Leon and Mabel Lurene Thompson Wood. On June 14, 1958, she married her late husband Joseph Eugene "Gene" Trossbach Jr. and moved to Harwood, MD where they started their family. In 1963, she and Gene moved to Price, MD where they built their life on the Eastern Shore. Once her children were older Gloria joined the workforce starting as a waitress with Great Oak Restaurant and working with Tidewater Publishing, then as a nursing aide with Corsica Hills Nursing Home in Centreville, MD. After discovering her love for healthcare, she spent time as a private duty caregiver before later starting a housecleaning business. As Gene's health declined, she stepped away from her career to become his full-time caregiver. Caring for him was never an obligation but an expression of the deep love and devotion that defined their marriage, and she remained faithfully by his side until his passing in 2017. In her later years, she continued to find joy in life's simple pleasures. She looked forward to attending the Adult Day Medical Services Program, where she enjoyed the friendships and activities that filled her days. She loved the challenge of a good puzzle or word search and could often be found playing games on her Nook. Above all, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family, both immediate and extended, and with the many friends who were part of her life. She was immensely proud of her St. Mary's County roots and cherished every opportunity to return home for a visit, no matter the occasion or how brief. Gloria enjoyed going to the V.F.W. on Saturday nights, Thursday nights at Sudlersville Senior Center, and playing shuffleboard on Sunday Nights. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chestertown, MD. In addition to her parents and husband, Gloria was predeceased by her daughter Shelley Walls, brothers, Ralph and Maurice Wood, and sisters Lorraine Wood, Lois Wood Leicht, Joan Wood O’Dell, and great-grandson, Abel. She is survived by two sons, Donnie Trossbach (Pat) of Sudlersville, MD, and Brian Trossbach (Bobbie Jo) of Sudlersville, MD; two daughters Karen Schauber (Pepsi) of Chestertown, MD, and Patty Trossbach (Jane) of Chestertown, MD; sister, Catherine Wood Melniczak; grandchildren: Daphne (Rich), Chris (Heather), James (Brittany), Angela (Matt), Kristen (Trey), Collin (Heather), Carly (Deon’Tez), and Maddie (Daniel); and great-grandchildren: Christopher, Dylan, Miles, Tanner, Riley, Matthew, Gianni, Kamari, Leilani, Keilani, Brielle, Brooke, Brandon, and Willy. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Gloria's life during a visitation on Tuesday, August 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow the visitation, with interment at Crumpton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the charitable organization of your choice as a meaningful way to celebrate a life of kindness and compassion.

Gloria Jean Trossbach

February 13, 1942 - August 4, 2026