Gloria (Norton) Howard, 88, of Brunswick, passed away peacefully on June 17 at her “home” at Sunnybrook Village, Brunswick, with her family by her side.
Gloria was born on June 17, 1922 in Augusta. She was the seventh of eight children born to Josiah and Eva Norton of Augusta.
Gloria graduated from Cony High School in Augusta and attended Franklin Normal School in Machias. She and Clayton W. Howard were married on April 19, 1941. They moved to Quoddy Village to serve in Roosevelt’s National Youth Administration program for two years. Gloria was always at Clayton’s side as they worked and raised their four children. In the late 60s, Clayton, Gloria and their children built Lake Pemaquid Camping in Damariscotta. The campground is still in the family today. In the early 70s, Gloria mentioned the idea of creating a local bank for local people to Clayton. He worked with his oldest son and four other local businesses to found Damariscotta Bank & Trust.
Family and education were of paramount importance to Gloria.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Walter Norton, Hattie Fogg, Althea Anderson, Christine Conley, Joann Higbee, William Norton and David Norton; and her husband of 66 years, Clayton.
She is survived by sons, Clayton N. Howard and partner Rebecca Bickmore of East Boothbay, Scott Howard and wife Valerie Howard of Harpswell and Andrew Howard of Saco; daughter, Heidi Coffin and husband John Coffin of Brunswick; four granddaughters; three grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.
In the fall, there will be a celebration of her life at her home on Pemaquid Lake in Damariscotta. For those unable to attend, condolences may be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011.
