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Gloria G. Hanson

Date of Death: December 8, 2016

Date of Birth: December 7, 1932

Biography:

N. YARMOUTH - Gloria Gallant Hanson longtime resident of North Yarmouth peacefully passed away on the afternoon of Thursday, December 8th 2016 surrounded by family and loved ones. Gloria was born on December 7, 1932 to parents Gladys and William Gallant, and graduated from Greely Institute in Cumberland, Maine. At the age of 21 she married William Hanson in Ft. Dix, NJ. Gloria and Billy enjoyed forty-four years happily married together until Billy passed away in 1997. Gloria and Billy raised three children, Sandra, Gladys, and Thomas and together they all spent many years traveling and moving between Army bases both domestically and internationally. It was well known that Gloria's favorite was the years spent in Munich, Germany. Regardless of where Gloria and the family ended up being stationed, and certainly when they returned back to North Yarmouth Gloria was quick to make friends and established countless lifelong friendships.

Once back in North Yarmouth Gloria began driving school bus for the Cumberland/North Yarmouth school system. This allowed her to be available for her children as they attended school and often she drove the bus that took her children to school sporting events all over New England. Years later this practice continued and she was then able to keep a watchful eye on her two grandchildren. Gloria drove for over 40 years and well in into her 70s. She prided herself on her safety record as well as her performance in the annual "rodeo" competitions. Every year she also looked forward to being able to help drive for and spend time at the Maine Special Olympics. Gloria formed many friendships in her years spent driving bus not only with the children, but also with her co-workers, teachers, coaches and parent's alike. She took great joy and deeply loved it when she ended up with a second-generation rider on her bus. Many people who knew Gloria as children once again had the opportunity to wait for Mrs. Hanson's bus but this time with their own children.

Gloria enjoyed spending countless hours sitting at the table playing cards. Inevitably every family gathering ended up at Gloria's kitchen table with cards being shuffled and dollars being exchanged. In recent years on any given day you could find her playing a game or two with her beloved siblings, Gerry and Bobby. Gloria was a fierce cribbage player, bingo dabber and slot puller. Gloria loved to disappear to the casino with her some of her closest friends. If ever you were looking for Gloria it was a safe bet that you find her at Toddy Brook socializing with her friends over breakfast, lunch or a cup of tea. She loved her time with these ladies catching up on town and family news and reminiscing about the old days.

Gloria was unparallel in her ability to only see the good in someone; her advice was always to let something go or move on, she was kind to her core, she was thoughtful and selfless and never ever held a grudge; she always loved and never expected anything in return. She was goodness.

Gloria is survived by daughters, Sandra Green and Gladys Hanson, both of North Yarmouth; Son, Thomas Hanson of Clearwater, Florida; Stepson, Glenn Hanson of Hudson, Florida; Grandchildren, Colby and Christopher Green; Great Grandson, Colton Copp; Siblings, Geraldine & Ed Hanson and Bob & Donna Gallant all of North Yarmouth; Nieces and nephews who she loved (and disciplined) as if they were her own children and an extended family in Buffalo, NY who she adored.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stuart Abramson and Dr. Connolly for their care, concern and respect for Gloria over the years. At Gloria's request there will not be any services. Donations can be made to The North Yarmouth Congregational Church – which she loved and was a member for many years, 3 Gray Road, N. Yarmouth, ME 04097.