Gloria M. Ellis

Gloria Maude Ellis, born November 1, 1935, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica W.I., is the eldest child of Cecile Ward and Pedro Ellis. Gloria was affectionately called Vadney by family and friends.

Gloria attended Milford Primary School and, upon graduation, began working to take care of herself and help with the care of her siblings. She was always described by family and friends as a smart, hardworking, ambitious, and a strong-willed person. She achieved her goals through those personal values.

Gloria worked as a dressmaker in Ocho Rios and excelled in every aspect, from designing to crafting exquisite clothing for customers of the shop. From there, she worked in the hospitality industry, beginning as a chambermaid, and progressed to telephone operator at local hotels. While at the Plantation Inn in 1966, she was given an opportunity to migrate to the United States and arrived in Albany, New York on March 9, 1967, to start a new journey. Within a year of her arrival, she worked as a live-in childcare worker and began taking classes to further her education. Gloria went on to study stenography and worked at Albany Medical Center for some time in this role. She advanced to computer programming and excelled. Gloria helped lead efforts to improve working conditions at Albany Medical Center, displaying her sense of advocacy, justice and determination. Gloria continued her education at Albany Occupational Center and completed the course in Practical Nursing, graduating July 22, 1977, and subsequently earned her certification as an LPN. She then gained employment as a nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital and remained there until her retirement in 2000.

Gloria had two children born in Jamaica, Winette Downer-Pair, (Greg) and Orville Abrahams, (Carra) who joined her in the US in 1968 and 1970 respectively. She insisted on the best education for them. Gloria saw both her children graduate from high schools and colleges and earn advanced degrees. She raised them to use their heritage as a springboard to achieve success in life and to acknowledge God. Over the years, she lived life to her satisfaction; Gloria remained industrious for her entire life. She owned a home in Albany and saw to it that her children had a legacy to build upon in the US and Jamaica. Gloria travelled around the US, and many times to Jamaica, which she loved. A trip to Israel with her church family was one of the highlights of her life. She thoroughly enjoyed her adventure. Gloria was by all accounts an achiever; focused, intentional, adventurous, fiercely independent, and generous. Looking at her life, she was "a phenomenal woman".

In the most recent five years of her life, Gloria bravely wanted to remain independent but battled health conditions that needed significant nursing care. Those who provided care in the last few months and weeks often commented on her vitality, appreciating her manner and regard for them as care givers, and her spirit of self-awareness and self-advocacy. She was an example to young and seasoned providers in this sense.

Gloria comes from a family of eleven children. She is predeceased by her siblings, Corine (Ellis) Harris-Sinclair 6/2007 and Trevor Beecher 10/2018. Siblings celebrating her life are, Louise Nicholson, Sutley Ellis, Enid Beecher, Charlie Beecher, Robert Gray and Maurice Gray. She is remembered by her son-in-law, Gregory Pair, (Winette); daughter-in-law, Carra Abrahams (Orville); six grand-children, Yolanda Camp, Joseph Camp, Daniel Camp, Jamerrah Poole, Khaleed Abrahams and Karina Abrahams; five great-grand-children, Gabrielle Camp, Dorian Camp, Logan Alston, Elijah Stark and Nawla Camp; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives and numerous friends here in the US, Jamaica, and Canada. She was a member of the Black Catholic Apostolate at St Joan of Arc, 76 Menands Road, Albany NY 12204.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Friday August 26, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday August 27, 2022 at 9:00 am at Black Catholic Apostolate St. Joan of Arc Church, 76 Menand Rd, Albany, NY 12204 with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gloria's name to Hamilton Mountain Basic School, Hamilton Mtn. P.A. St. Mary, Jamaica, W.I 876-434-6318. Via Cash App $LGeorgette or Zelle Veron 414-587-3663. Thank You.