Obituary of Gloria Virginia Mailman
MAILMAN, Gloria Virginia – It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Gloria (Conrad) Mailman of West Northfield, at the age of 84. Gloria passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 19th, 2024, at South Shore Regional Hospital. She is predeceased by her husband Bernard (Bubby); parents, Lawrence and Verna Conrad; brothers, Roderick, Granville, Rayburn, Glendon, Carmie; sisters, Audrey and Joyce. Surviving are her children, Michelle (Franklin Lohnes) and Gregory (Tracy Mackay); and grandson, Cole. Gloria was also Honorary grandmother to Nicholas and Stephanie. She will also be missed by her cat, Little D.
Gloria was born July 27, 1939, in Lower Branch, where she lived until her marriage to Bubby. They built a house, made a home, started their family, and in the later years started their family business in West Northfield. Gloria starting her working career as a hairdresser until she became a mother for the first time. She stayed at home to raise her two children and during that time she worked alongside Bubby in the family business managing the phone calls, delivering supplies, and most importantly, doing the bookkeeping.
Summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake Mush-a-Mush, where everyone was welcome. The best times were when the whole family was there enjoying the lake and spending time together. The supper table was always full of food that Gloria had prepared. There was the legendary “apple dumplings and scallop potatoes” which were always requested at any gatherings.
Her hands were never idle, and crafting was in her blood. There wasn’t anything that she couldn’t do once she set her mind to it. She loved to knit, crochet, cross stitch, tole paint and sew. All these skills were self taught since there was no google or YouTube back then.
Becoming a grandmother to Cole was her greatest joy. She always recalled the times they spent together and treasured every moment, whether they were playing cars, shopping at Walmart or just cuddling on the couch. She was so proud of him. There were memorable summers spent with Nicholas and Stephanie at the lake. She was always happy when they wanted to return each summer and spend their weekends with her.
After Bubby’s passing, she moved into an apartment in Bridgewater where she quickly made some very close friends. They had their weekly bingo parties, gatherings in the community room, or just talking in their apartment. There were daily phone conversations with family and friends to find out how our days were, and weekly Sunday suppers with Michelle, Franklin, Greg, Tracy, and Cole.
A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. There will be a reception following the service at the funeral home. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
“The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve seen, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”
Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where online condolences and messages can be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.
