Gloria Margaret Thompson, RN

It is with deep sadness that the family of Gloria Margaret Thompson, 94, of Moncton, formerly of Amherst and Springhill, share the news of her peaceful passing on November 1, 2025. Born in Springhill, NS, she was the daughter of Beryl (nee Miller) and Isaac Holloway.

She attended Springhill High School where she was active in drama and musical groups. She was a lifelong member of Springhill Baptist Church and a former choir member.

She entered Nursing School in 1949 at Highland View Hospital in Amherst, which included eight weeks in Montreal, then returned to Amherst to complete her studies. She graduated in 1952 and was awarded the Bedside Nursing Award.

Her first position was in the operating room in Springhill with Dr Carson Murray, a gifted surgeon and teacher.

In 1955, she accepted a position as charge nurse on the Medical and Surgical floor at Highland View Hospital. In 1968, Dr. Christie received board approval for her to open the 20-bed infirmary at the Atlantic Provinces Resource Centre for the Hearing Handicapped in Amherst. Many of the children were unvaccinated and it was her job to get them up to date. She also learned to make earmoulds for hearing aids. She was there for two years and then returned to Highland View Hospital, where she remained for 30 years, until her retirement.

She was a graduate of the maternity nursing course at the former Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax, a course designed to bring nurses up to date on advancements in the field.

She took pride in delivering more babies than most of the doctors in town and would often receive beautiful flowers when the doctor couldn't get to the hospital in time. She was present for the births of all of her grandchildren.

In 1992, she was elected by her peers for excellence in nursing practice for the Northern region. She met the other winners at a dinner in Halifax sponsored by the RN Association.

To say she truly loved her chosen career is an understatement.

She traveled with friends to Nassau, Jamaica and to England where she visited her father's birthplace in Staffordshire.

From her father, she developed a love of poetry that remained throughout her life. Her love of dancing came from her mother who taught her and her brother how to hot polka, always reminding them not to look at their feet.

Gloria led a purposeful life. It was important to her that her daughters were educated, and she took cleaning jobs in addition to her nursing position to help make that happen. She instilled in them a love of music and the arts.

She enjoyed her bridge club, cooking (especially jams and pickles), reading and summers at the Amherst Shore cottage with her children and grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren dearly, always making their favorite cookies when they came to visit. She loved watching Mr. Bean with Josh and Alex when they were young boys.

She is survived by her daughters Dawn (Brian) Keizer, Lunenburg and Jan (Gary) Porter, Amherst Shore, grandchildren Josh (Sherry) MacKay and their daughter Ava, Middle Sackville, Alex (Tiffany) MacKay, Hubley, Rhea (Maple) Pendragon, Halifax and Katherine (Sam) Dolimount, Hammonds Plains, step grandchildren Mark (Kassy) Keizer, Lunenburg and Ryan (Lauren) Keizer and their sons CJ and Tony, Hammonds Plains.

She is also survived by stepchildren Reverend Paul (Dianne) Thompson, Fredericton, Mark (Valerie) Thompson, Quispamsis, Andrew (Elaine) Thompson, Charlottetown, Elizabeth Thompson (Timothy Mackinnon), Montreal, stepson-in-law Reverend Blair Holden, Riverview and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Reverend Kenneth Thompson, her brother Jack Holloway and her stepdaughter Paula Holden.

Arrangements are in the care of MacDiarmid's Funeral Home & Crematorium. A Memorial service will be held at the Springhill Baptist Church, 47 Church Street, Springhill, NS on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2 pm. Reception to follow. Interment will be at the Mapleton Cemetery, Mapleton, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cumberland Health Care Foundation (Light the Way), Springhill Baptist Church, or charity of your choice.

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