Gloria Nancy (Collier) Fawcett, 82, of Northboro and Charlton, beloved mother, and friend, was stricken at home on January 7, 2008. She was the wife of the late Paul N. Fawcett. Gloria was a lifelong resident of Northboro until moving to the Overlook Community in Charlton in May 2006. While she moved to Charlton in 2006, she always considered Northboro her “home” and enjoyed her visits back to Appleway Farm on Ball Hill where she lived with her daughter Cynthia until moving to Charlton in 2006.
Born on March 31, 1925 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, she was the youngest daughter of the late John J. Collier, and the late Georgia A. (Bray) Collier, and sister to Lorraine A. (Collier) Toon, who is also deceased. She graduated from Northboro High School in 1942.
After graduation she worked for The Heald Machine Company in Worcester for 10 years as a secretary for the Sales Department where she formed many friendships which she maintained throughout her life. Gloria and her husband Paul owned and operated the Fawcett Fruit Farm until 1981. In the 1960s Gloria joined the R&T Furniture Company of Northboro and worked there as bookkeeper for 30 years before retiring in 1994.
Gloria loved all animals, but dogs held a special place in her heart. She had many beloved four-footed companions throughout her life. She was an avid and accomplished Bridge player and participated in Bridge games at every opportunity with her friends at the Overlook. Gloria appreciated classical organ and piano music and enjoyed playing both for pleasure. Her music interests also included Elvis Presley, especially his gospel renditions. Gloria also enjoyed real estate and during her life bought and sold several properties. In 1986 Gloria and 2 friends traveled across the lower half of the United States by car in a month-long “adventure” that gave her wonderful memories to share with friends and family.
Gloria is survived by her daughter Cynthia Fawcett of Northboro, Cynthia’s fiancé Joseph Webb of Westboro, cousins Jean Ferrell of Park Ridge, New Jersey, and Jennifer Payne and Arthur Payne of Millis, Massachusetts. She also leaves her close friends Rita Raleigh, Helen Greaney, Doris Aspinwall, Janice Johnson and her many new and dear friends she met while living at the Overlook.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 16th at 10 a.m. in the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street in Worcester, MA with burial to follow at the Howard Street Cemetery in Northboro.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Gloria’s name to The Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116.