This is to announce the passing of Gloria Gina Paul which occurred in the City of Fredericton on Saturday March 18, 2017
Gloria was born in North London, England on December 16, 1937, and during the Second World War she was evacuated to Northern England to escape the bombing in London. The experience had a profound effect on her life and inspired her to become a peace activist and to dedicate a significant part of her life in the pursuit of promoting peace.
In 1957 Gloria emigrated to the United States and enrolled in the University of the Pacific and received her degrees in Registered Nursing and Associate of Arts. She then went on to a career in Nursing, working in Northern California where she met he lifelong friend and companion Yvonne Mesereau. Along with Yvonne, Gloria visited the rural community of Hoyt, New Brunswick and was deeply impressed with its beauty and natural surroundings. She immigrated to Canada in 1978 settling in Hoyt, and in March of 1983 she became a Canadian citizen. She worked as a Nurse in the Psychiatric acute care center at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick for 20 years.
She was also approved for training to study in the Ministry of the Anglican Church but opted to found a lay Christian retreat with Yvonne Mesereau known as Pilgrim House located at Hoyt, New Brunswick which began operating in 1989. Pilgrim House was designed to be a host for Clergy, Religious, Prayer groups and for individuals who needed a quiet space. Pilgrim House also served as her residence until her untimely passing. Gloria was an active member of the Christ Church Cathedral Anglican Church located in Fredericton, NB.
In her lifelong quest as a peace activist and to promote peace Gloria was the Chairwoman of Project Ploughshare in Fredericton, and organized the First International Day of Peace event in Fredericton and she was instrumental in having a Peace Pole installed in Fredericton. Gloria was the recipient of the YMCA Canada Peace Medal in 2007 for her work in Peace Initiatives, Environmental Awareness and for maintaining a Christian Retreat at Pilgrim House. Gloria also Received the Milton F. Gregg conservation award for her work as an environmental activist for the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, in 2007. She received this award for her efforts to shine the light of public scrutiny on environmentally dangerous practices at CFB Gagetown.
Gloria received a honorary degree from Saint Thomas University in Fredericton, and maintained a strong relationship with Saint Thomas University. She often spoke at Saint Thomas to the student population about environmental effect of war and military conflict. Gloria is Affiliated the Conservation Council, Sierra Club and The Voice of Women.
Gloria was predeceased by her mother and father Aida (Casa Grande) Paul and Joseph Paul of London England. She is Survived by her Brother Dr. Ronald Augustus Paul of Malvern, England and a Nephew. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and companion at Pilgrim House Yvonne Mesereau, as well as many lifelong friends and acquaintances.
At her request, there will be no visitations prior to the funeral. There will be a service celebrating Gloria’s life at the Christ Church Cathedral In Fredericton, NB, on the morning of March 29, 2017 at 10am with a gathering of friends at the Cathedral memorial Hall following the services.
Donations in Gloria’s memory can be made to one of the following; SPCA, Alzheimer’s Society, Heart & Stroke Assoc., Christ Church Cathedral Restoration Fund, Conservation Council, Operation Ploughshare, or directed to a charity of your choice, that represents one of the many cares and concerns that represent her life. On line condolences, can be expressed http://www.bishopsfuneralhome.com/