Gloria May Morton (nee Bristow) of Kincardine, formerly of Milton, died at Trillium Court Long-Term Care, Kincardine, Friday, May 31, 2024, at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late W. Ralph Morton (2020). Loving mother of Karen Kinsey (Hartley) and Ruth Jones (Bruce). Proud grandmother of Andrew Kinsey (Lisa), Stephen Kinsey and Amanda Bucher (Derek), and Bethany Jones and Caleb Jones (Sarah); as well as many great-grandchildren. Survived by her brother, Donald Bristow (Carol); and sisters, Muriel Strba (the late John) and Jacqueline VanDalen (the late Hank). Predeceased by her parents, Albert “Jack” and Isabella Bristow; and her sister, Lorraine Robbins. She will be fondly remembered, and greatly missed, by her family, and friends. Gloria was committed to excellence in all she did. Earlier in life, this included involvement in musical groups and volunteer work. As a young adult, she proudly worked as a legal secretary in Milton, and the skills she learned there stayed with her all her life. Whether in how she kept her home, styled her hair, or cared for others, Gloria always gave her best. Jan. 14, 1956, Gloria wed Ralph, and their love and commitment to each other were evident for the next 64 years. In 1959, she put her career aside to start her family, and from then on, her children and grandchildren brought her great pride and joy. A conscientious mother to Karen and Ruth, she and Ralph raised them to be capable, responsible, and hardworking. Her family remembers the lunches she made for Ralph every day, the delicious pies she perfected, and her precisely polished home. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to church ministry. In her earlier years, she was heavily involved in Emmanuel Baptist Church in Milton, which her father founded. As a teenager, she volunteered as secretary and pianist. After moving to Oakville in 1968, she joined Calvary Baptist Church. There, she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, planned Vacation Bible School, and participated in women’s groups. In her later years at Hope Bible Church, she welcomed visitors, attended faithfully, and gave generously. Her church involvement was founded in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All who knew Gloria saw that her faith lay at the centre of her identity. Gloria would frequently recount her memory of asking Christ into her heart at age 12 with the help of a Christian mentor. From that moment on, she had deep peace and assurance, knowing that she was a child of God. She and Ralph supported missions all over the world, prayed faithfully for all they knew, and led their family in devotion to God. Gloria’s worldview can be summed up in her own words, written in a recent testimony: “[God] has guided and directed me throughout my life; first in my career, then in my marriage to Ralph, and as a mother to my two children. His Word has been my guide book for life. I love Him for the awesome God that He is.” Visitation will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, 757 Princes Street, Kincardine, Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. A memorial service to honour Gloria’s life, will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Chalmers Community Church, 1016 Concession 7, Kincardine, with Pastor Bonnie Mair officiating. Reception to follow at the church. Interment, at Evergreen Cemetery, Milton, Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Memorial donations to Kerr Street Mission, Chalmers Community Church, or Hope Bible Church in Oakville, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Portrait and memorial on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com. |