Gloria was always smiling on Patriots' Day, especially when alongside friends and champions.

at the B.A.A. office lunch table, sitting at the head in her bright orange chair sharing stories, advice, and "Jeopardy!" trivia. She’d read the newspaper cover to cover and would often clip out stories to share with colleagues and friends, pinning all sorts of articles and photos to the office bulletin board. When the organization began working from home, Gloria was frequently first to join a staff meeting, savoring the time to catch up with her work family. 

One of Gloria’s cherished passions was spreading the organization’s heritage to others, especially to colleagues, new employees, and visitors. The “Gloria Tour” was a B.A.A. office staple and a rite of passage for countless colleagues. Walking through the archives, Gloria shared stories dating back to the 1890s in vivid detail. Gloria had the rare perspective that only comes with experience, longevity, and loyalty. In between quoting chapter and verse from races, she’d educate those around her on the importance of their roles and responsibility. Afterward, Gloria would often sneak a small gift—pin, bag, or pen, always unicorn branded—on a new employee’s desk, welcoming them to the family.

“Gloria was everyone’s mother. She truly cared about every person she met and wanted them to thrive and succeed,” said Dr. Michael P. O’Leary, Chairman of the B.A.A. Board of Governors. “She bled blue and gold. In many ways, the B.A.A. and all of us connected to the marathon were her children—not just family, but children.

She would show love, but also wasn’t afraid to share what her opinion was or if she didn’t agree with a particular direction. Her understanding of the B.A.A., Boston’s history, and where we came from was invaluable and unmatched.”

Gloria was a jack of all trades when it came to road races beyond the Boston Marathon and B.A.A. She became a USA Track & Field–certified official and ultimately served on USATF-New England’s Board of Governors. In contrast to the mostly male officials that frequented the sport at the time, Gloria continued to break barriers while bringing a refreshing sense of camaraderie and belonging.

There was nothing more important to Gloria than her family, including the many nieces and nephews who she doted on. She hailed from a large family with deep Boston roots, which may have explained

her knack for loving one and all as if they were her brother or sister.

Gloria Ratti was born March 13, 1931, and was raised in South Boston as one of 10 siblings. She spent more than four decades serving the U.S. government in the C.I.A., traveling around the world and rising to Chief Clerk. While she enjoyed going to the theatre, reading, and playing solitaire, Gloria first developed her affinity for road races after turning 40. 

A pioneer, ambassador, mentor, and historian, Gloria was named by Runner’s World magazine as “The Women’s Running Trailblazer You’ve Never Heard Of” in 2021. To the Boston Marathon and B.A.A., she was everything and more. 

Gloria passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving nieces and nephews. She was 90.

Just a month prior to her passing, Gloria surprised B.A.A. staff at a picnic in Hopkinton.