CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF
GLORIA LINDA HARRISON
(EULOGY)
…...A HANDFUL OF MEMORIES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF A DEVOTED WIFE AND MOTHER WHO WAS LOVED BY ALL AND WHO LIVED HER LIFE TO THE FULL.
Gloria Linda Jacobs and twin brother Raymond were born on the 29th December 1927, in Coburg, to parents William Charles and Lillian May Jacobs. She was one of eight children, four of whom had lives prematurely shortened due to ill health including that of twin Raymond who died at age five and a half. Gloria was the youngest of the four remaining siblings.
Stories have been conveyed of her being a bright and bubbly child with “Shirley Temple” curls and being the exact opposite in nature to that of her twin brother. Even at this early age her love for music was evident. She confessed to not being a model student at school but this in no way affected her enjoyment of life.
She continued to live and go to school in the Coburg/Brunswick area until the age of 16 when Gloria's mother passed away, leaving older sister Edna to take on the role which she did with much love and care. This involved Gloria moving in with Edna and husband Les and family, a shift to Greensborough which she loved. Edna would continue to be that mother figure (and so much more) to Gloria for her entire life – she was a very special person in Gloria's life.
A good part of Gloria's young working life was spent as a packer at Allen's Confectionery in South Melbourne. It was there that she met good friend (and Sam's sister) Sylvia. They got on very well and shared a love of dancing. From time to time Gloria would spend the weekend at Sylvie's so they could go out dancing and it was during these stays that she met Sam – who would become the love of her life!!
They were married at the Church of Christ in Northcote on a very wet day in February 1951, having car problems on the way to the ceremony – not the ideal way to start what turned out to be a long and happy 63 year marriage.
Two years into married life Gloria and Sam moved into 250 Albert Street Brunswick, what's termed today as a renovator's delight!! Slowly, improvements were made to the house and Gloria delighted in keeping everything both inside and outside the house in perfect order. They had three children while living there – Linda in 1955, followed by Ernest two and a half years later then Ray in 1964. While busy with a young family, Gloria still found time to be involved in the local community - the Salvation Army Home League and also as Secretary of the Mother's Club at the children's primary school. The family spent 17 happy years in this Brunswick home, during this time Gloria being a stay at home Mum. Highlights seemed to revolve around food, especially sweets, and also the Sunday roast before an afternoon of listening to music from their extensive record collection. Gloria just loved her music!!!!
In 1970 the family moved to Parkview Avenue Greensborough, a moved forced upon them at the time by compulsory acquisition of their home to make room for the neighbouring school's expansion. Gloria had always loved Greensborough so a shift here was the obvious choice - this was a move into the house of her dreams. The family were getting older by now so this freed Gloria up to start occasionally lending a helping hand to Sam at his stall at the Victoria and Caribbean Markets. This working partnership at the market would continue for many years and she was close to 80 before they finally retired making many friends along the way. She enjoyed the social side of catching up with the other stall-holders and, of course, shopping for bargains (and there were many).
Gloria and Sam always managed to make time for a break from the family business. They enjoyed many holidays during their married life, both home and overseas. Tassie was a favourite in the earlier days, sailing across on the Princess of Tasmania then all into the combi camper van and a visit to Sam's bother Alan and family before touring around the State. Being a sweet-tooth Gloria always looked forward to the Cadbury's factory visit in Hobart and the free samplings that went along with it. Gloria and Sam belonged to the Theatre Organ Society for quite a few years during the 70's, visiting numerous states during this time to attend the annual Easter Convention. Ray recalls tagging along and the enjoyment of socialising with others who shared in Gloria & Sam's passion for music. Then in the early 80's they decide to venture further afield and headed to Fiji. This proved very successful as holidays go, and they would return year after year for many years, sometimes with grandchildren now in tow. Needless to say they both loved Fiji very much.
Family has always been number one in Gloria's life. She and Sam have seven grandchildren, Jacob, Matt,Tristan, Tara, Kirstie, Rebecca & Lauren and two great grandchilden Riley & Koby, all of whom had a special place in her heart. She never missed an opportunity to be involved in their lives and always looked forward to their birthdays as a special time for spoiling them.
Within the family circle, Gloria was also very close to her two brothers Eric & Cyril. There are many fond memories of family get togethers with them, one such being the regular Friday nights' with Eric & sister in law Freda enjoying the huge spread that was supper. Cyril, & wife Evelyn, shared a very special bond with Gloria too. Cyril had the happy knack of always making Gloria laugh with his jokes and funny saying and she found him a joy to be around.
Gloria enjoyed the simple pleasures of life – pottering in her garden, dancing, listening to and playing music (the organ by ear), being with the family – anything from a short visit to the many family gatherings where love, laughter and good food abound).
Gloria spent the last 16 months of her life at Grace Villa Aged Care Facility and it was there that she passed away peacefully, early on Sunday morning – Mother's Day - at the age of 86, She will be remembered by all who knew her as a quiet, gentle and caring person, always available to lend a helping hand to any in need......never knowing the meaning of the word NO!!!
…............we come together today to celebrate/commemorate and give thanks to God for the life of Gloria Linda Harrison. She will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.
May She Rest In Peace