Obituary of Gloria Jean Bennett

Gloria Jean Bennett

December 2, 1946 – September 30, 2024

Passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family in the early morning of last Monday. Gloria was predeceased by her cherished parents Thomas and Margaret Purdy (nee Saunders), her husband Walter Acklin Bennett, and her beloved younger siblings James “Jimmy” Purdy, Ilene Brooks (the late Jerry), and Francis Purdy, as well as by her sibling in-laws Marion and Russell Burchill.

Not a day will go by without her being missed by her caring daughter, Jean (Frank) Bennett, and her son, Eric (Kim) Bennett. Her grandchildren — Julianna, Julian, Micheal, and Erica Bennett—were the pride and joy of her life, and whom she was all immensely proud of. Her memories will live on with her sister, Shirley (Raymond) Moore, her brother Carl Purdy, along with her sibling-in laws, Ken (Joan) Bennett, Clarence (Lois) Bennett and Joanna Purdy, as well as by her many nieces and nephews. Gloria will be deeply missed by many cousins, neighbours and friends, like Carole Baumhower. “Precious Carole”, Charlene Whitney. “Chair Bear”, and Diane Nickles. “Her Di”.

Gloria was a kind soul whose selflessness knew no bounds. Her commitment to family went beyond raising her own children. She played an instrumental role in the upbringing of her two grandchildren, Julian and Julianna, embodying the same care and dedication she had shown throughout her life. She often sacrificed her own needs to help others in her family and community. Her daughter recalls how, during a devastating fire that displaced many families in Montague township, Gloria stepped forward, taking her spare money to purchase personal garments for a woman who had lost everything. She understood the importance of having personal needs and dignity during such difficult times. Gloria was also known for her generosity, bringing groceries to families in need after meeting them at her granddaughter’s sporting events.

Her strength and independence was unwavering, especially after becoming a young widow when Walter lost his battle with cancer, leaving their children just 7 and 13 years old. Undeterred by the challenges before her, Gloria put herself through school at St. Lawrence College and became a registered nurse (RN,RNA). She dedicated 32 years of her career to Rideau Regional, a facility for children and adults with developmental disabilities, where she made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Gloria's fondness for her work extended to her beloved friend and coworker, Carol B., who often reminisced about Gloria's love for her "soap operas," especially "The Young and the Restless” and “Bold and The Beautiful.” When in doubt, if the nurse’s TV remote was

missing, it was surely tucked away in the breast pocket of her scrubs, where she had inadvertently forgotten it. Gloria’s remarkable life will be celebrated at a graveside service at Dewar Cemetery (459 Glenashton Road, Beckwith) on Friday October 11th, 2024 at 2:30pm. The procession will be leaving Blair and Son’s funeral home in Smiths Falls at 2:00pm. As we gather to honor her memory, we remember her kindness, her unwavering strength, and her profound impact on all who knew her. If you would like to attend, Gloria’s family insists that you dress comfortably for the weather and bring a lawn chair. In lieu of flowers, donations towards the cost of funeral arrangements would be greatly appreciated.