Gloria Tolson

Gloria Tolson 88, of Columbia South Carolina, and former Natick resident of over fifty years, died after a short illness on Saturday morning, March 18, 2017 at 9:15am. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph W. Tolson. Coincidentally, she passed exactly 21 years and one day after her beloved husband. Gloria was born and raised in New York City. She was the daughter of the late David and Ermine R (Seabrook) Walley. Gloria had one sibling, an older

loving sister, the late Gladys Walley. She and her husband Joseph had eleven children including a set of twin boys, and also raised two other children. Mathematically inclined, Gloria was a wiz with numbers, she worked for many years as the bookkeeper for Frechette Auto Body of Natick MA, bringing the company to full success. When unable to follow the company's move to the South Shore, Gloria pursued her passion and began working for the former Natick Mills as an amazing seamtress.She created many extravagant and custom made draperies. Several years later, Gloria retired from the Fabric Place in Framingham, MA. She loved her career as an accomplished seamstress. She was a good custodian with her money too, always had a stash, but she was never selfish. Ma was generous, extremely, generous.

Gloria Tolson is survived by her children, Calvin Tolson of Natick MA, Norman Tolson of Natick MA, Cynthia Tolson of Columbia, SC, Ermine (Tina) Parks of

Framingham, MA, Dominick Tolson of Sherborn, MA, Joann Crossman of Webster, MA, Daniel Tolson of TN, Deborah Johnson of Worcester, MA, and Norman Peterson of Florida. Dora McClure and Faith Tolson (the late Timothy's former wife), also called her Ma. Her late children were Joseph Tolson, Timothy Tolson, Bonita Davis and Gregory Tolson. Her four son-in-laws are William Parks, Richard Crossman, Alfred Johnson, and Clarence Davis. She has two daughter-in-laws, Sandra and Karen Tolson. Gloria's grandchildren are, Christine Ocain, Sherry Allcock, Keith Tolson, Calvin Tolson, Jeffery Tolson, Benjamin and Nicole Davis , Jennyfer Tolson, Jacqueline Parks, Sharon and Christine Tolson, Timothy, Anthony, Christopher and Tara Tolson, Gregory, Stephen and Heather Tolson, Sean Johnson and Ericka Jarvis, Norman Jr., Sarah and Emily Peterson. She had one late Grandson Jason Tolson and a host of great and great great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Everyone called Gloria "Ma", even her grandchildren. Ma was a devoted wife to Joseph for 51 years and a loving mother. She bore eleven children, including a set of twin boys. She also raised her sister's two children. Gloria ran her household as the chief and commander- and no one dared to question her authority. She was a fierce protector and best friend to her only sibling Gladys. Standing just 4 feet 11 inches tall, she was petite, and very pretty. When Gloria was younger, family and friends called her by her childhood nickname, "Tiny". Gloria loved life and also the Lord. She read her Bible regularly and was strong in her convictions. She loved animals, especially cats. She was fascinated with the strength and beauty of horses. Gloria, she was of a fun-loving nature. If you were lucky enough to party with her, you'd know she could tear up a dance floor with her signature dance moves. She also had a great sense of humor along with a serious-business side that bore caution, if you know what I mean…....

This "Tiny" powerhouse was as smart as a whip and in complete command of any task she took on, a true perfectionist. She fought and beat cancer in her early 80's. She reminded all of us how strong she still was. This matriarch taught us to fight and defy the odds. Gloria's children were not onlyher pride and joy, they were her friends and loved her dearly. Being light and carefree was so easy with Ma; even her grandchildren found friendship with her! She always had a listening ear, no need to call first, drop by day or night, stay a minute or stay a year, you were always welcome there. Ma helped in any way she could. Hungry? No worries, Ma could cook! There was always something on the stove or in the fridge. And have a beer or glass of wine while you’re at it. Those who Ma loved, had a special relationship with her, each one unique and special, she loved to give nicknames.

The Matriarch of our beautiful and flourishing family will always be remembered for her strength and presence in each and every one of our lives.

A memorial service will be held at the Greater Framingham Community Church, Franklin and Park Sts, Framingham, MA, on April 21, 2017 at 9:30 am. Interment will follow at the MA National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.