Gloria (Theriault) Kefalas of Salem, passed away on April 26, 2020 at Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers due to complications from the Covid-19 virus. Born and raised in Salem, She was the daughter of the late Annette (Loranger) and Epiphane Theriault.
Gloria attended St Joseph High School in Salem and North Shore Community College where she earned her degree. She worked in social services for many years. Prior to her retirement, she was the Social Services Coordinator for the Greater Beverly YMCA. Additionally, she worked as Public Benefits Advocate at NSCAP, Homeless Specialist at the Dept. of Social Services, The Dept of Public Welfare and Homeless Prevention Coordinator at North Shore Catholic Charities. Gloria was also co-founder and co-organizer of the Special Needs Cookout at Salem Willows for over 30 years.
In the 1980’s, with her deep compassion for those in need, she developed and helped implement On the Threshold, a program sponsored by the Peabody Clergy & Ministerial Association for working families who were at risk of homelessness. This innovative program also inspired two similar programs to start up in Manchester-by-the Sea and Marblehead.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing for their care and comfort to their mother during her former residence there.
Gloria’s greatest enjoyment in life was her children, and she was deeply devoted to them. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her daughter, Jamie Blanchette of Beverly, her sons, Nicholas Kefalas of Beverly, Kevin and his wife Paula Kefalas of Salem, James and his wife Linda Kefalas of Lynn, her four grandchildren; Paul, Nicholas & Chris Kevalas and Katie Savistano and great-grandchildren, Colby, Mackenzie & Claire along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gloria was predeceased by the love of her life and partner, Donald Boisvert, brothers, Robert, Richard, Arthur & Albert Theriault, her sisters, June Fallette & Joyce Nelson and her son-in-law, Ronald Blanchette.
Funeral services will be private due to the current pandemic. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. Assisting her family with arrangements is the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guestbook, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com