GLORIA FENLON

GLORIA MARGARET FENLON October 15, 1927 - March 17, 2025
Gloria came into the world in North Bay, Ontario, the third of six daughters born to Wilhelmina and Emile Corbeil. She was a beautiful child who grew into a strikingly beautiful young woman. At the age of 17, she set off for Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, living in residence and training 6 1/2 days a week at St. Joseph's hospital. In her first week, she attended Youth Club at St. Andrew's Church, where she met 18-year-old Bob Fenlon. He decided that night that she was the only one for him. It was mutual. When Gloria graduated with her R.N., they married in 1950, raising four children in Thunder Bay, spending joyful summers at the cottage and then living in the home they built on Lake Superior until moving to Chatham in retirement to be closer to family. In the early years Gloria worked in the newborn nursery at St. Joe's, and later at the Port Arthur Clinic, retiring in her mid forties. It was at that point she decided to learn how to drive, a skill that helped on the long trips to Sarasota, Florida with Bob over many winters. The time they spent there with family and friends was a highlight for them. If asked, Gloria would say she lived a small life, caring for her husband, children and home. But it was a life well-lived, full of countless acts of service that made the lives of everyone around her easier. Caring, loving and gracious, she was a second mother to many of her children's friends, and a much-loved aunt. She could put her foot down, though, when pressed and when she did, everyone listened. She also had an eye for finance, understanding Bob's business and being a partner and support to him. They were a team in all things. Gloria had the gift of being content at every stage of her life. Even after moving into long term care at age 94 (a move that separated her from her beloved Bob, who lived only two weeks without her by his side) she focussed on gratitude, and loving those who cared for her. They in turn came to love her. Gloria was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2022, and by her sisters Bernice, Anita, Corrinne, Joan and Adele. She is survived by her children Shawn (Poul), Timothy (Michelle), Lauri Ann (Brad) and Ellen (Charles); grandchildren Ian, Anne, Michael, Karyn, Kate, Sean, Marc, Christopher and Brendan; and 13 great grandchildren. A woman of great faith, Gloria died peacefully, with her daughter Shawn at her side, as she had been every day over the past three years. Bob and Gloria are now reunited, no doubt talking and laughing together on the garden swing as they did so often in this life. May we all strive to be as good as Gloria always believed us to be. Friends and relatives may visit at the St. Ursula's Church (205 Tweedsmuir Ave. W.) from 10 AM until the time of a funeral mass at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arthritis Society of Canada would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home.