CHERRYFIELD – Gloria Jane McKenney, 79, a longtime resident of Washington County, passed away Friday, May 17, 2013. Gloria was born March 8, 1934, in Columbia, to Charles Willard and Lydia Ann (Sinclair) Carter.
At eight months of age, her mother passed away and she moved to live with her aunt, Gladys Carter Jellison, in Franklin. When she turned seven years old, Gloria moved back to Washington County and graduated from high school at Stueben, in 1951. Shortly after graduation, Gloria met her future husband, Roland H. McKenney, whom she married at Harrington Methodist Parsonage Feb. 23, 1952. Gloria and Roland created their family together and in the fall of 1960 moved to Massachusetts to pursue work opportunities. As years passed family gathers at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas became traditions looked forward to. Also, ice skating activities, Sunday rides and vacation trips back to Maine became part of building their family relationship. In her free time, Gloria looked forward to spending time with friends playing cards and visiting. She also enjoyed country music and any kind of religious hymn. When her health allowed, Gloria looked forward to and enjoyed ‘blueberrying.” As her battle with multiple sclerosis took its toll on her body, she would keep her mind sharp with word searches, puzzles and knitting. For more than 35 years Gloria combated her disease with toughness and resilience. She will be remembered by her family for her great love and caring.
She is survived by her daughters, Rise McKenney and partner, David, Sheila Batson and Stephanie Norton of Addison; grandchildren, Brian Marston of Harrington, Brad Marston and fiancee, Autumn, of Addison, Richard Norton III and partner, Jessica, of Jonesport, Darcy Norton and partner, George of New Hampshire, Brandon Beal of Addison, Gregory Batson and wife, Erica, of Columbia and Andrew Batson of Cape Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Jaxson, Cassidy, Samantha, Zander, Trenity, Daemon and Logan; sisters, Hilda Nichols of Cherryfield and Kathleen Stillwell of Ellsworth; and many nieces and nephews. Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lydia; husband, Roland; mother-in-law, Clara; father-in-law, Bertie; and brothers and sisters, Harold, Albert, Willard, Roland, Clarence, Virginia and Elizabeth.
A memorial and interment is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Columbia Cemetery, Columbia. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes, Milbridge.
Gloria Jane McKenney
