Gloria Allen

Gloria Allen January 3, 1939 - April 9, 2014 April 9, 2014 at eleven o'clock pm Gloria Joan Allen took her last breath soon after her loving husband Bill gave her final kiss goodnight. Gloria was also surrounded by four of her children, a step daughter and some of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her passing was sudden, unexpected and met with great sadness, longing and loss.

Gloria was born in England and immigrated with her parents and two of her three siblings to Canada at the age of sixteen, became a young bride at seventeen to Tom Wheatley and began growing their family of five children at age eighteen.

In 1969 Gloria and Tom divorced and as it was during those times Gloria raised the children primarily independently. There were difficulties, challenges and health scares but in the end Gloria prevailed. If raising five children was not enough Gloria became a foster parent preparing newborns to be received by their adoptive families usually about two to twelve weeks after she received them. It is to be sure that no baby was more cherished and set up with sweater sets so lovingly knit by Gloria herself. She also expanded her knitting talents to outfit the intensive care nurseries with hats and booties.

In 1979 Gloria married her beloved Bill (Jack). Together they travelled back and forth to the states and to visit family in BC. They continued to foster babies for a few more years sometimes having two at a time. After they discontinued offering refuge to vulnerable children Gloria volunteered as a "cuddle mum", going into the hospital to hold and feed premature babies. Gloria also was employed with Post Partum Helpers where she supported new mothers as they adjusted to their new roles and babies. After moving on from babies Gloria then volunteered at the Beverley Care Center. Gloria was happiest when she was productive and helping others. She also enjoyed participating in her water aerobics with her friends.

Gloria is missed and mourned by her husband Bill (Jack), children Linda (Jim), Pauline (Russ), Patricia, Tom (Lorraine), Darlene and stepdaughters Sharon (Doug) and Shelley (Todd), twenty-seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Lillian (Joan) Burnett, brother Barry and granddaughter Ailish. Surviving brothers are Michael (Zeta) and Joseph (Heather).

Forever loved. Forever missed.