Gloria Lillian Neilson
January 9th, 2020
It is with a great sense of loss that our family announces the death of Gloria at the age of 89. Gloria spent her last weeks surrounded by family, and died in Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey after a short stay.
Her brief fight with cancer was handled like everything in her life, with grace, dignity, and a great sense of humour.
Gloria was born into a large loving family, and was predeceased by her parents and four brothers and four sisters, who remained close throughout their lifetimes. Gloria was also predeceased by her son Bruce Neilson, whose memory she kept alive for his children and grandchildren.
Gloria is survived by her adoring husband Murray, and her loving daughters Lori, Nona and Cindy (Tom). She also leaves behind her beloved Grandchildren : Jennifer (James), Heather (Christopher), Katie (Jesse), Ted (Richard), David, Jacqueline (Luke), River, and Sawyer. The pride and joy of her final years were her Great Grandchildren Jonna, Nora, Lorelei, Oliver, Roland and Elise.
Gloria mastered social media, and kept close contact with many extended family members and friends across the country and throughout the world. She will be sadly missed by all those who enjoyed her lively comments, animated phone conversations, and keen interest in their lives.
Her many accomplishments and numerous adventures would fill a book, which indeed she had been writing over the past years. Suffice it to say her vast range and depth of knowledge was appreciated by all who knew her. An hour spent with Gloria would leave you smiling, and amazed by her memory and artful storytelling.
Gloria has been cremated and a memorial will be held at a date yet to be decided during the summer. The details will be announced on her Facebook page.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Fraser Health, and in particular the caring nurses at Laurel Place Hospice.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Covenant House in Vancouver, a charity that was dear to Gloria.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Our deepest condolences to Murray and family on the sad news of Gloria's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sending Elm Street hugs to all.
There will be a Memorial for Gloria in Vancouver on Saturday August 22nd, 2020. For details contact gloriamemorial1930@gmail.com. Murray, Lori, Nona, Cindy
Gloria was a most supportive mother-in-law for 32 years of marriage with Bruce and continued caring until her passing. We will miss her always. Christine (Neilson) MacDonald
The world is a sadder place since my amazing Aunt Gloria has left us. Her incredible memory and stories of her growing up years and grown up adventures were a gift that I received from her over the years and will cherish for ever. Sending love to Uncle Murray, Nona, Lori, Cindy and the rest of your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Gloria’s family at this time of great loss. I so looked forward to her phone calls and her bits of wisdom, memories and stories of days past. She will be missed very much by my whole family and I am so grateful that she was part of my life. I think of her often and hope she is having a family reunion with her sisters and Bruce, as her daughters predicted. Hugs.
Aunt Gloria was a big part of our family while I was growing up. She was one of the adult leaders when I attended CGIT. At one time she "tried" to teach me how to play the piano. She was definitely loved by our family and will be greatly missed.
I was so sorry to read of Gloria’s passing.. and wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to Murray, the girls and their families. She lived a full and busy life, using her many talents and interests to their full. Sincerely, Barbara
Condolences to you all.Gloria was my dad's baby sister[Arthur] and my older sister's [Tean] mentor. She taught me in grade two and I loved her.She had a great life and no one would want her to suffer, and although she will be missed, things happen for the best.Hugs to you all1!
I loved hearing from Gloria on Facebook. Not long ago she messaged me privately and told me about the first time she met my dad. It was so generous for her to reach out and share what is now, for me, a new memory of my father. Always positive. Always smiling. The Matriarch of a great group of people. Much love to you all.
Our heartfelt condolences to Murray and family on the passing of Gloria. We treasure our memories of Gloria and Murray as wonderful neighbours and know that the family is giving Murray their love and support at this time. With our love from Elm Street, Wendi and Buz
Murray I know and feel for your loss as Frances died 4 years ago. We first met when you had moved to the BIG house on Elm Street and you were a Fuller Brush man and ex RCAF as I was. Once we moved away to Langley we lost touch, however I often think of the fun times we all had, talking about Nova Scotia with Gloria and you. 5 great grandchildren, wow I only have one. All the best to you and family as you face the years without Gloria. Sincerly Peter Clegg
Gloria was my friend and neighbour for years. I have wonderful memories of all the fun we had.My heartfelt sympathy to Murray and family, she will be very much missed. You are in my prayers. Love, Maureen
Very sad to hear one of my favorite people has passed. She was my Moms best friend and a lovely lady. I know how much you will miss her and you have my deepest condolences.