Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, on January 14, 1943, Gloria died in Victoria, BC, on January 28, 2022. Gloria is survived by Patrick, her husband of 57 years, sisters Helena (Seamus) and Veronica (Michael), children Nicholas (Colleen), Erinn (Behzad) and Damian (Ellie), as well as her grandchildren Desmond, Callum, Finley, Phoebe and Max.
Gloria and Patrick met as teenagers in Belfast and married in their early 20s. After stops in Brighton, UK, and Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, they found themselves in Victoria in 1968. They intended to stay for only a year or two, but ended up making a life here for themselves and for their children; a life supplemented by frequent adventures, including many trips to Europe and Gloria’s yearly summer retreat to Cape Cod.
Gloria spent the first 20 years in Victoria raising her children and focusing on volunteer activities before joining the BC Public Service where she pursued a rewarding 20-year career in social services. She was broadly involved in the community and with her great many friends. She was an unfailing, enthusiastic supporter of her children’s sporting activities – she never missed a game. In her retirement, Gloria enjoyed perfecting her house and garden. She loved travel, walks, coffees and, with a great and special tenderness, her grandchildren.
Our hope is that each of you remembers the light, laughter and friendship Gloria brought to the lives of all who knew her. She would be honoured by donations to The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society, an organization about which she was passionate.
It was a blessing to have Gloria in our lives and we will love her always and forever. Fly free, sweet girl.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
My thoughts are with you and your family Paddy. Gloria and I lived beside each other we were both 12 and when she moved we hit it off immediately, I was devastated when she couldn’t be my bridesmaid and we cried together. I moved from Belfast when I was 19 and she and Paddy came to visit with us before they got married. We used to have sleep overs and would giggle well into the wee small hours. When I moved to Denmark we lost touch and then we moved a couple more times and I ended up in Melbourne, Australia and we reconnected about 4 years ago and have been in constant touch since then . Many many beautiful memories were made over the years and I send Angels to light her way and to you Paddy and children I send love and big hugs. Thank you Erin for keeping me in the loop . love and blessings to you all, Sandra and Alan. xx
Guy & Jen & Friends of Gloria
Every Tuesday at 8:20AM and every Thursday at the same time we’d be together in the Quail Room at the Henderson Rec Centre, gym mats spread in front of us, and we’d follow our regular exercise program. Some exercisers would gather at Olive Olios Cafe after the exertion in order to debrief on ‘exercise’ on ‘families’ on ‘current events’ and on any topic of interest. This routine continued (for we regulars) for over ten years until the current pandemic brought this exercise/social bi-weekly routine to a halt. Gloria was always an enthusiastic participant in all actions, all plans, discussions, and all humorous ‘deviations’.
It is now two years since our regular gatherings, and we think about our fellow exercisers often. We would sometimes see Gloria out walking…actually we have a spot on Mount Tolmie that we have named, ‘Gloria’s Loop.’ Tomorrow (Feb. 17th) six of Gloria’s long-time social/exercise buddies are gathering for coffee (and ‘Gloria reminiscing’) at ‘Olive Olio’s’…many discussions (and laughs) will be shared.
Our sincere condolences Patrick and Family
RIP Gloria