Obituary of Gloria Nicholson

With profound sadness, the family regrets to announce that Gloria passed away surrounded by her family after a short illness on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Sault Area Hospital at the age of 95. Gloria joins the love of her life, husband of almost 69 years, Lorne. Cherished mother of Chris (Ann), Kevin (Colleen) and Melissa (Marj). Proud grandma of Kendra, Mallorie, Delaire (Theo), Brittany (Mike) and Kenny. Great grandma of Dean and her namesake Glo. Lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law and lifelong neighbour Ed and sister-in-law Donna and many special nieces and nephews.

Gloria is predeceased by her parents Florence and David, siblings Harvey (Dorothy) and Gary as well as sisters-in-law Glenna (Jim), Roma, Hazel (Bill), and brother-in-law Morris (Peggy).

Mom was happiest surrounded by her family and was overjoyed to spend her 95th birthday week this month with most of her clan, nestled up warmly in her home of 70 years that she designed alongside husband Lorne.

Mom started working as a Telephone Operator at Bell at the young age of 16 and continued there until shortly after the birth of firstborn Chris. Working at Bell was life changing for Mom. Not only did she have gainful employment but her friendship with fellow operator Glenna led to an introduction to Glenna's "dashing" brother Lorne. After six months of dating they were engaged and married within a year. 

Family was most important to Mom (and Dad). They built a home, later severing and selling a portion of the property to Lorne's sister Roma and husband Ed, who remained backyard neighbours overlooking lovely flower beds for over 60 years. With Chris and Ann raising their family two doors down and Kevin and Colleen building a summer home on St. Joseph Island, they were tickled pink to share in a fair bit of their grandchildren's formative years. Mom was a little lost after losing Dad in 2020, but with Melissa returning to the Sault with her partner Marj to purchase Roma and Ed's home and Kevin and Colleen moving fulltime to the island, Mom was delighted to have all three kids (and spouses) close to home again, with granddaughter Brittany and family only five minutes away. Dad would have been ecstatic.

It was a life well lived. Mom kicking butt in Shanghai card games with family and friends, serious shopping excursions to Traverse City and Petoskey to track down that elusive next navy-blue purse, trips to Southern Ontario to visit kids and grandkids, "Bowling Gang" Grey Cup and numerous other house parties. Mom’s greatest joy was being with and looking after her family. An avid baker, even as recently as last week she was baking brownies and banana bread and countless other treats to spoil her family.

To honour Mom’s wishes there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. 

A special thank you to Dr. Wacker, Grottoli, Berry, Giroux and to Cynthia and the Pharmacy team at Rome's for Mom's care over the years. Recent help from Ontario Health At Home and the CarePartners team for their help to keep her safe in her own home as a slowing down but still very capable 95-year-old.

This last week, Mom received great care in her short stay at SAH. In particular the family would like to acknowledge Dr. Jim Boseovski, Dr. Tian Xiao, the nursing and PSW staff in ER and 3C, as well as the Paramedics that attended at the house for their dignified approach with Mom.

Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758).