Gloria Steward Lycknell

Gloria Steward "Glorianne" Lycknell, 72, passed away February 20, 2011 in her Exeter Township residence, surrounded by her family.

She was the beloved wife of John Milton Lycknell whom she married August 27, 1966.

Born April 7, 1938 in Chicago, IL, she was the third of four children and the only daughter of the late John Troland and Jeanette (Mallace) Steward.

Gloria attended St. Thomas the Apostle High School and graduated from Mercy High School, both in Chicago. She attended the Art Institute of Chicago, though she felt her true education came from endless hours spent exploring Chicago museums and architecture as a child and her lifelong love of reading, daily New York Times crossword puzzles, and travel.

One of Gloria's greatest joys in life was the work she did as an interior designer for over forty years. Her business, Lycknell Interiors, grew from a small shop in St. Lawrence to a full-service interior design company in Wyomissing with its own in-house manufacturing facility. Her work was featured in various design publications and was often on display at prominent design show houses throughout the region. Gloria was a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on all aspects of interior design—she was both an instructor at Penn State and the popular host of WEEU's House Calls with Gloria Steward Lycknell. She was recognized by Governor Ridge as one of Pennsylvania's "50 Best Women in Business" in 2000, and Lycknell Interiors was celebrated as "Eastern Pennsylvania's Top Interior Design Firm" in 2007. Above all else, Gloria valued bringing beauty to others and the time she spent with clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Gloria believed that every person had the capacity to better the world through service, a responsibility she fulfilled as a volunteer with CONCERN, a local organization providing children, youth and family services; a Big Sister for the Children's Home of Reading; and, a tutor for the Literary Council of Reading.

Gloria was the center of her family and loved socializing with friends and strangers alike. She was in her element when planning unforgettable holiday celebrations and birthday parties, and relished listening to the latest news from her husband and children. Her attention to detail and boundless creativity made her a remarkable chef, hostess and gardener. She confronted every challenge head-on, with tenacity and a sense of optimism.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her two sons, Robert B. Lycknell, fiancée of Leisha E. Reigner of Reading and William J. Lycknell of Douglassville and her daughter, Norah E. Lycknell, partner of Brigette M. Courtot of Washington, D.C.

Other survivors include her two brothers, Jack Steward of Florida and Roy, husband of Linda Steward of Chicago, IL and her sister-in-law, Joan Lycknell of Chicago, IL.

Gloria was predeceased by her brother, Gerald Steward and her sister-in-law Betty Lucas.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 1 pm at Schwarzwald United Church of Christ, 75 Church Lane, Exeter Township, with a gathering of family and friends to follow at the Lycknell residence. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Schwarzwald Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the V Foundation's Gastric Cancer Fund, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513 or online at http://www.gastriccancer.org/html/donate.html

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.