She was born in Brunswick on April 18, 1924, the daughter of Ludger and Laura Bard Fortin. She attended St. John’s School and Brunswick High School graduating in 1942.
During world War II, she was among the first group of women to work in the shipyard at the Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. Following the war, she was employed in the office of Verney Mills in Brunswick for nine years, and later as a secretary at the Bath Iron Works where she retired in 1988. After her retirement, she was a volunteer at Midcoast Hospital and St. John’s Parish and also was part of the Running Start Program for 21 years.
She was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, Father Remy Circle, Joining in 1948 and held several offices in the Circle including that of Regent.
She is survived by one sister, Prudence Brandenburg and her husband Robert of San Diego, CA; two brothers Regis and his wife Mamie of Bath, ME and Reginald and his wife Pauline of Sabattus, ME. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, many grand nieces and nephews, and many great grandnieces.
She was predeceased by her parents, her oldest brother Fulgence ( Phil) and his wife Fredericka; a nephew Stephen and a niece Estella.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 11th from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00pm with The Daughters of Isabella reciting prayers at 7: 30pm at the Demers- Desmond Funeral Home, 34 Cushing St, Brunswick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 10:30am at St. John the Baptist Church, Pleasant St, Brunswick.
Memorial contribution may be made in Gloria’s name to St. John’s School Scholarship Fund, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011. To share your thoughts and condolences with Gloria’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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