Gloria Andersen Lernihan

1924 - 2022

Gloria Andersen Lernihan, 97, passed away peacefully at home June 24, 2022. Born December 3, 1924 in Bay Ridge (Brooklyn), NY to Harold Nickolai Andersen, a recent immigrant from Norway, and Nellie Hegstad Andersen. Always a proud Norwegian, Gloria faithfully honored her Scandinavian heritage, keeping tradition alive for her family.

She spent her early years in Brooklyn and later fell in love with an Irishman named James (Jim) Lernihan. Married on October 22, 1955, Gloria and Jim resided in Lloyd Harbor (Long Island), NY, where their three children, Marlene, Moira and Shaun were born. Gloria and Jim had always dreamed of moving to Vermont. In 1966 that dream became a reality and they moved to Manchester. After the death of their son Shaun in 1979, they relocated to Shelter Island, NY to seek solace and sail. In 1984 Vermont again pulled at their heart strings and they returned to Vermont, settling in Dorset. They pursued their love and passion for antiquing and established Stonewalls Antiques in Dorset, VT. They enjoyed traveling and visited many countries around the world. When they were not traveling, they spent summers in Vermont and winters in Florida. Gloria enjoyed her final years at home in Bennington, VT.

Gloria is survived by her daughters Marlene Horan and Moira Spivey, granddaughters Elizabeth Spivey, Hillary Frese (Robby) and Hanna Horan, and great granddaughter Nora Andersen Frese. She is also survived by nieces and nephews who she was very fond of; Heather Cornell, Gregory Hansen, Laurel Trice, and Kevin O'Hara. Gloria was predeceased by her son Shaun in 1979, her husband Jim in 2012, her sister Doris Hansen in 2012, and her son-in-law Jack in 2021. Following her wishes, a celebration of Gloria's life will be private.

If one desire, donations can be made to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center through the office of Mahar Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net