Obituary of Gloria Jean Donaldson (nee Morton)

April 21, 1945 - July 12, 2024 (79 Years Young)

It is with immeasurable sadness that we must inform that our beautiful mother, nana, sister, aunt, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and soulmate to James is now at peace after the light within her was extinguished by the debilitating and incurable disease ALS (Lou Gehrig’s diagnosis on June 3rd).

Due to a life altering industrial accident in 1975 Gloria underwent 35+ operations on her arms and hands. We soon realized how strong of a person and woman she was and one who never complained of pain.

Gloria was the light of our lives, affectionately referred to by her grandchildren as the matriarch of our family, by her Son-in-law Craig as G-girl, by her daughter Wanda as Mama bear, she gave us all unconditional and endearing love.

We will forever cherish the many handmade items she gifted us, most notably personalized quilts and knitted socks, and also Pandora jewelry (her favourite) and Swarovski figurines. She was an incredibly talented and generous person. Her disability never stopped her from excelling at everything she put her mind to.

Travelling to Scotland and Dominican Republic were two favourite destinations of James and Gloria. She longed to go back to Scotland. We hope to fulfil that desire in her honour someday.

Thursdays were much anticipated day long outings because she got to start those days with friends at their favourite breakfast spot, then knitting club, and ultimately enjoying Pinot Grigio wine and laughter with fun-loving friends at the Lambton Legion.

Predeceased by her mother Nina Madeline Wismer, Father Albert Douglas Morton, Stepmother Eleanor Morton, Stepfather Ronald Wismer, brother Wayne Morton. sisters Trudy, Sylvia and Carol, and stepdaughter Nadeen.

Loving mother of Wendy Luscombe (Barry), Wanda Chorney (Craig), Wade Donaldson (Jessica) and stepmom to Corey Donaldson.

Deeply adored by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Auntie to many and cherished by her sisters and brother, knitting and Legion friends both in Lambeth and Windsor.

Gloria adored her family and loved spending time with them, especially when they gathered in her home.

She will forever be our shining light. The strongest woman we know.

As in her lifetime, in her final days she was overwhelmingly showered with love and was able to rest peacefully.

Gloria’s children would like to extend the most heartfelt appreciation for the attentiveness and compassion and care provided by the many doctors (medical, respiratory, neurological, palliative) and nurses on floors D5 and C6 at Victoria hospital London Ontario.

And to our supportive and caring large and extended family, thank you for all the love. Gloria undoubtedly felt how much you loved her and to acknowledge that you were given a resounding thumbs up by her. Thank you deeply for being her light through her most difficult days.

Gloria will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her loving heart and for her funny antics and the phrase “you better” when people close to her told her they would do something she liked.

As per Gloria’s wishes, cremation has taken place and visitation will be held at the LOGAN FUNERAL HOME, 371 Dundas Street London, Ontario (between Waterloo & Colborne St.) on Wednesday, July 24^th from 6 – 8 p.m. with sharing of memories starting at 7:30 p.m. Those who wish, may make memorial donations to the ALS Society of Canada in honour of Gloria. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca.