Livermore

March 14, 1945 – February 10, 2025 Gloria Marie Zanolin Sheleg, aged 79, passed away peacefully at home in Livermore on February 10, 2025 after a short, courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born inOakland, California, Gloria spent her life in the Bay Area. She was a beloved librarian at the Livermore Public Library, where she was known as “the hat lady” and cherished by the community.

Known for her vibrant personality and sense of humor, Gloria was the class clown at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in Oakland. She had a passion for gardening, a knack for photography, and a love for travel, particularly to Italy, inspired by her parents’ journey from Italy to Ellis Island. Gloria was known for her artistic creativity, often bringing crafts to the library and capturing beautiful images of windows.

She had a remarkable ability to form inside jokes with everyone she met and was always fun to be around, often surrounded by laughter.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Felicina, her only son Scott Sorenson, and her previous husband, Paul J. Sheleg.

She is survived by her partner of 28 years, George Buffleben, her nine grandchildren and her daughter-in-law Alexandra Estrella.

Her celebration of life will be on Friday March 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore, 1893 N. Vasco Road, with reception to follow onsite.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Tri-Valley Haven.