GREENSBORO BEND – Gloria began the next chapter of life on June 3; after departing this realm peacefully in Greensboro Bend, in the loving care of her daughter and niece.
She was born on January 8, 1938, into the family of Ethel Olive (Paul) and Edson Basford, one of 10 brothers and sisters born during the heart of the Great Depression. It’s safe to assume there were a slew of hand-me-downs and shared resources in the Basford household good thing hard times make strong people.
Gloria married the love of her life, Irwin (Sonny) Alton White Jr., on July 14, 1957, in Greensboro, and they resided at the Rocking Rock Farm in Greensboro for many years. They raised two children together in Orleans, with Sonny working at the mill and Gloria dealing Tupperware throughout the Northeast Kingdom. She even worked at Ethan Allen in Orleans alongside her husband for several years, creating a lasting, beautiful memory of them walking to work together each morning.
In 1998, Gloria and Sonny fulfilled a lifelong dream to own their own business, by purchasing Gram & Gramp’s Snack Bar in Hardwick. It was the highlight of their retirement, and they ran the restaurant together until 2005.
Gloria was a diehard Celtics fan, an avid puzzler, yard sale attendee and a berry picker extraordinaire, regularly picking berries at her niece, Brenda’s home, in Greensboro Bend. She was an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers and all things Tupperware, and she was possibly the best caretaker a cat ever had.
She never missed a holiday or a birthday, sending a card out to arrive just in time, year after year. She also made candy every Christmas and delivered it in person to area businesses, friends and family. She was a simple, yet tough little lady, with a will as strong as a thousand hummingbirds. She will be deeply missed but forever treasured as a wonderful mother, beloved aunt and granny.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband, eight siblings and several nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind a sister Lorraine Gilfillan of Nashua, N.H.; her daughter Phyllis Crawford of Wilmington; son Michael White of Midland, Texas; four grandchildren: Baylee and Jayden Crawford of Wilmington, and Kevin and Michael White of Midland, Texas; her wonderful friend Mary Piper and beloved cat Callie, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donations in her memory may be made to American Cancer Society, Healthwell Foundation, & Justice for Dogs.
Special thanks to niece Donna Rae, Caledonia Hospice, Doc Abby, Mary Piper, Frank and Ginette, and Frank and Brenda for watching over her and allowing her to remain at home. God bless you all. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 14, 1 p.m., at her home, 1452 The Bend Road, Greensboro Bend.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com
