Gloria Moore

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Joan Moore on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the age of 92 years, at Michener Extendicare in Red Deer. Born in Alix, Alberta on May 19, 1933, Gloria is lovingly remembered by her children, Rick (Suzanne) of Red Deer, Glenn (Wendy) of Victoria, Linda (Lloyd) of Stettler, Judy (Sue) of Airdrie, and Liz (Blair) of Calgary; Gloria leaves behind nine grandchildren, Allison, Graeme (Cara), Tiffany, Amanda (Jeremiah), Paul (Louanne), Melissa (Tyler), Frazer (Jaiden), Samantha (Nik) and Adam (Brittney); Her thirteen great grandchildren, Scott, Piper, Elikem, Delana, Paige, Blain, Lukas, Emmett, Owen, Levi, Cheznee, Hollyn and Jameson. Gloria is also remembered by her step-sister, Janice (Laverne); as well as many nieces and nephews. Gloria was predeceased by her devoted husband of 73 years, Donald Leslie Moore; her parents, Floyd and Jean Cockrall; her step-father, Scotty Kernaghan; brother, Jim (Rosemary); and sister, Dianne (Merlin). Gloria grew up on the farm near Alix, just a short distance from Haunted Lakes. She swam, explored, picnic’d around the lake and learned to enjoy nature. As a child she loved horses, having had to ride to school most days, uphill both ways! Her love of animals continued as she really enjoyed all the family pets over many years. Her dad moved the family to Calgary in the forties, but when she married Don, they soon moved to Red Deer in 1956 where they raised five children. She nurtured many relationships with friends hosting St. Patrick’s Day parties, camping outings, ski trips, golf trips, and bridge games. She was one of the last of an uncommonly extensive group of friends, the likes of which we don’t seem to see these days. Gloria played many roles throughout her bountiful life. She was a daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, homemaker, chef, baker, nurse, seamstress, home handy-woman, bookkeeper, and hostess par excellence. Don was well-recognized and oft-decorated with the success of his career in public recreation. Unquestionably, she was the silent partner in his work with the City of Red Deer, continually holding down the fort when he would be up early coaching swimming and attending board and council meetings most evenings. She maintained a cheery disposition and kept all the balls in the air, even though it must have been exhausting at times. She was his companion attending conferences and special meetings, sometimes bringing her sewing machine along for something to do! She was very handy and enjoyed upholstering, millinery, knitting, and sewing. She was an excellent golfer with a number of hole-in-one trophies, a skier, car enthusiast, community volunteer, and a keen gardener with a love of roses, sweet peas and hydrangeas. Though Don was a traditionalist and preferred her to be in the home, she took the opportunity to work for the Red Deer Housing Authority, hosted events for the Chamber of Commerce and was a proctor for Insurance exams in Red Deer. In the sixties, Don and Gloria bought a pair of lots at Gull Lake on Brighton Beach. Though short of financial resources at the time, it proved to be tremendous boon to our family’s quality of life. Having moved an old Red Deer home onto one of the properties, we soon had a weekend and summer retreat in which we all learned to enjoy outdoor activities. It was truly mom’s Happy Place. Except for the bats and mice which terrified her! In later years they built a new home on the second lot, but after a number of years, sold it as Don got too many speeding tickets going back and forth to work in Red Deer! Once Don retired in 1987, they bought the first of three Road Trek camping vans and enjoyed many adventures with family and friends. She could pack an incredible number of utensils, condiments, appliances and games, in that van including the kitchen sink! It was the saddest of days for them both when Don was no longer capable of driving and their beloved Road Trek was sold. For many years Don and Gloria were snowbirds in Palm Springs, golfing most days, swimming, and enjoying happy hour(sss) with old friends and new. This is where she was awarded a number of hole-in-one trophies. One of the highlights there was attending the weekly jazz music jam in their park. Indeed, she had an enduring love of all music, but particularly loved Big band, Dixieland, and vocal jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. As kids, we heard music constantly as she bought countless albums from the Columbia Record Club. No doubt she was strongly influenced by her dad who was a stride piano player and was the leader of a band named after her, the Glorians! Gloria developed dementia which necessitated selling their home in Eastview and moving to independent living at Aspen Ridge Senior Home. As she needed more care, she moved to the Memory Care area. Due to a fall, she was confined to a wheelchair but enjoyed meals and musical performances. She was especially fond of watching Anne Murray concert videos. Requiring more care than available there, she moved to Michener Extendicare 1200 wing. Dad soon followed. He was a tremendous advocate for her but when he passed, she still received great attention from the Health Care Aids though they were always rushed off their feet. Particular thanks to Chantelle, Josie and Jerwin. In her final unresponsive hours, she opened her eyes to the familiarity of those caring voices, a touching tribute. Gloria was tightly connected to her family. She was the magnet that drew people together and the glue that ensured family unity, for which we will be eternally grateful. Through health struggles, chronic back pain, and selfless dedication to others, she modelled a loving, positive attitude. Each of our family generations will keep memories of her laughter, fine Christmas dinners, and unsurpassed Saskatoon pies close to our hearts. Hers was a long life well-lived. A Memorial Service honoring Gloria Moore will be held at Gaetz United Church 4758 50 St, Red Deer on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 1:30 PM.