Obituary of Gloria Ann Maloney

Maloney, Gloria Ann – 73, Indian Brook, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at The Mira, Truro on Saturday, June 6. She was a daughter of the late Noel Paul and Emily Cope. Gloria was born in the Millbrook First Nation. She spent much of her childhood at the Shubenacadie Residential School, where her family then became the many children who endured and survived those years with her. She had an especially close bond with old Mary Cope and her children, who were raised like family to her. Upon her marriage to former Chief Reg Maloney, she moved to Indian Brook First Nation, where Gloria spent the next five decades as a loving member of the community and raised her six daughters. Gloria was a devoted member of the St. Catherine’s Prayer Group and part of the originating founders. However, to honour the memory of Gloria, you would have to look beyond what she had done to who she was. Gloria had many gifts to help on her path on this earth. She would often say of all the holy gifts of the spirit, she had received the gift of “ridiculousness”. For many years we believed that it was one of the sacred gifts. After suffering a twelve-year bout with Alzheimer’s, it was indeed her spirit, silliness, humour and wit that marked her resiliency and love of life. Despite a ravaging disease, Gloria continued to make new friends and relationships. During her last two years she was supported by The Mira Home facility and staff who learned to love her, her wit and humour, as much as her family. She also forged a close new relationship with two very special ladies: Shirley (Clyke) Mahar and Alta Little. We will forever be grateful for the love, care and compassion so many people showed to her during her lifetime. Gloria is survived by her 6 daughters, Mary, Amy, April, Cheryl, Lori, and Julie; grandchildren, Alisha, Matthew, Real, Brandon, Stephen, Tyler, Jacob, Hilary, Hayley, Willow, Lucas, Tanner, Chase, Tegan, Maia, and Natalia; great-grandchildren, Madison, Roman, Ayla, Teyah, Drake, Melaina, Miley, Eliza, Tate, Issac, Addison Ann; nieces, Linda and Noreen; nephew, Bob. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her mother’s twin sister, Irene; sister, Bridget; brother, Robert Paul. Visitation will begin at noon, Monday, June 8th at 557 Church St., Indian Brook and continue until the time of Funeral Mass 11am, Wednesday, June 10, in St. Kateri Roman Catholic Church, Indian Brook, Fr. Tom Kurudeepan, OMI officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery, Millbrook First Nation at 1pm. Condolences, words of comfort, and memories of Gloria may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com