Mary Gloria Christmas

It is with a heavy heart that we announce our beautiful mother, Mary Gloria Christmas, age 72, has begun her journey into the spirit world on May 28, 2026, in Halifax, NS. Gloria was born in Gagetown New Brunswick on July 26, 1953 to Mary Viola (Nash) and John William Paul. Gloria grew up in the First Nations community of Membertou and was a survivor of the Residential School System.

She was a hard worker, with a very strong work ethic and held numerous jobs. Sometimes her jobs took her to the big cities of Boston and Toronto, but Membertou was always her home. The most rewarding job Gloria loved doing the most, was being a painting contractor. She painted for more than 35 years and didn’t officially retire until 2025. Before her retirement, she had passed on her knowledge and skills to her children, son-in-law and grandchildren. Gloria was a devoted hockey fan to the Montreal Canadiens and wore her knitted Montreal hat almost daily. She enjoyed family gatherings, and looked forward to spending time with her 3 daughters, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, who were the most important people in her life. Everything Gloria did was for her family, and family was all that mattered to her. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, where her home was completely decorated from top to bottom with an X-large, full-size real Christmas tree, which took her days to decorate and the centre of many conversations. On her spare time, she enjoyed putting puzzles together and quill work.

Gloria is survived by her loving daughters, Lucy Joe, Lorna Christmas, Amy Christmas and son-in law, Patrick Joe; Grandchildren, Brett, Bryson (Charity), Leim (Desiree), Breanne, Savanna, Blake (Shauvan), Ben (Amanda), Haley, Brody (Presley), Liam, Hayden (Ainsley), Leo, Patrick Jr., Luke, Tristen, and Raine, Great Grandchildren; Lennox, Caleb, Ezra, and Theodore, sisters; Lois (David) Shirley, Anita Mae, Emily (Kevin), Joyce (Gordie), Barbara/Claudine (Carleton) brothers; Anthony/Ike (Liz), James/Jim Bob, Calvin/Jip, and Nakia Brother-in-law; Edwale Christmas. Godchildren; Russell Christmas, Noel LaPorte and her special god daughter, Jennifer Marshall and very special friend; Pauline Bernard. Many, many nieces and nephews, who all held a special place in her heart, especially Murdock MacDonald. Gloria is preceded by her daughter, Georgina and infant son Bernie, Husband; Benjamin (Benny), Parents; Mary Viola (Nash) and John William Paul, Maternal Grandparents; Lucy (Gabarus) and William Paul, Paternal grandparents; Helena/Lena (Sabittis) and James George Nash, Sisters; Lena, Emma, Beverly, Palma, Wanda, and Constance.

Visitation will take place at her home, 50 Micmac Crescent, Membertou starting at 7pm on Sunday, June 7 and continuing until the Mass which will take place at 11am on Tuesday, June 9th at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. To view the service, leave a memory or condolence for the family, please visit twcurry.com. Salite will take place immediately following the Mass at the Membertou Trade and Convention centre.