Trying to be a wonderful daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, friend, community member and best spaghetti sauce maker in Humboldt County is a big task, but Gloria Thompson was up for the task for 81 years. She passed away on November 18, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka, California.

Gloria was born in Medford, Oregon on January 23, 1939 to George and Lillyan Hutchins. She was said to be a sweet baby and was adored by her parents and aunts and uncles. Her mother later got remarried to Eugene “Gene” Holt and he became the proud father of Gloria and her younger sister, Karen. Her parents later added her brother Jim Holt and sister Jan (Holt) Vaughn to the family. The family lived in southern Oregon and Northern California as Gloria was growing up. When Gloria was a freshman in high school, she began dating Brice Thompson and, as her favorite Dean Martin song would say, “That’s Amore!” The young couple was married in 1957 and spent an amazing 58 years together. After Brice served in the United States Army, the couple continued to call Humboldt County home, living for many years in Samoa and Blue Lake. They lovingly raised their three daughters, Linda Thompson-Padrez, Dawna Lamb, and Paula Thomas. Together with Brice and her family Gloria loved to go camping and fishing. She was an avid golfer (even having a hole-in-one on her record of achievements) and agate hunter (she could spot an agate from 40 paces). The Thompsons were blessed with two grandsons: Christopher (his partner Hannah DePute) and Craig Edgar, who adored their Papa and MomMom. Gloria became a Great MomMom to the light of her life Lillyan Edgar in 2015. Over the past several years her great-grand daughters Rhilee, Harper, and Sadie joined the family and Gloria spent many hours snuggling, laughing, and playing with all of them.

In addition to spending time with her family, Gloria was quite active in her community. While living in Samoa she worked at Samoa Elementary School as a librarian and teachers aid for over 20 years. She was the Mayor of Blue Lake during the late ‘80s and into the mid ‘90s during which time she oversaw many helpful changes to the little town she loved. Gloria was an active participant in community organizations including the Wanikas and the Fire Department Auxiliary Clubs in both Samoa and Blue Lake (Blazzettes).

In her later years Gloria enjoyed reading, crocheting, listening to music, attending church services, and spending time each day with Lillyan.

Arrangements are being handled by Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. Donations in Gloria’s memory can be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department or to Northfork Full Gospel Church (McKinleyville) . Services will be held at a later date, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

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