Gloria Jean Darling (81) of South Ryegate, Vermont, died surrounded by family at Cottage Hospital on July 11, 2024.  Gloria was born January 6, 1943, to Delton Dwight Darling and Luvia "Irene" Emerson Darling.  Gloria was the firstborn of seven children.  Although born with disabilities, she outlived the doctor who proclaimed she wouldn't make it to age 7.

Gloria learned to walk at 5 years of age because her sister Ina was determined to have Gloria join in all her adventures.  Although unable to speak or hear Gloria always had a way of letting her feelings be known.  She was famous for handing people their jackets when she felt it was time for them to be on their way.  And when Gloria gave you her beautiful smile, you knew you had gained her approval.

Gloria was well taken care of by her mother until Irene's own health began failing.  At which time family and one spectacular caretaker, Betty Lackie, began taking turns caring for them both.  Gloria was able to stay at home until the final year of her life when she moved to the Grafton County Nursing Home.  There she was loved by residents and the staff, who gave her kind and special care.  And Gloria blossomed in her new home where she was happy and content.  She was often seen wheeling herself to her cherished spot by the nursing station where she could sit and watch people work, one of her favorite things to do.

Gloria loved red and if given a choice would always choose a blouse or a dress in that color.  She loved to wear jewelry or a pretty clip in her hair and would often draw your attention to a necklace or bracelet until you acknowledged how pretty it looked.

Gloria attended meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses along with her family from the time she was a young child.  Although she could not hear what was being said she always wanted a personal copy of the program and had a smile for those who greeted her.

Everyone who knew Gloria has a story to tell of how she seemed to know more than she might be given credit for; and her family and friends look forward to the day when she can tell us her life story in her own voice.

Gloria was predeceased by her father, Delton Darling, and is survived by her mother Irene Darling.  She is also survived by her 5 sisters, Ina Desorcy and husband Alan, Donna Pelletier, Linda Richardson, Virginia Shevlin, Marilyn Wysocki, and her brother Malcolm Darling and wife Caroline. She is also survived by 14 nephews and nieces who all loved and treasured her and by many great nephews and nieces.

The services for Gloria will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 431 Rum Hill Road, Bath, NH on July 27th, 2024, at 11 am.