MEXICO – Gloria A. McKenna, 56, of Mexico went home to be with her Lord on Nov. 2, surrounded by her loving family and many devoted friends.

She was born on Oct. 28, 1951, in Rumford, the daughter of Stephen and ClaraMay (Payne) McKenna. She attended Hope School which was later renovated into New Hope Home, where she resided for 21 years. The staff was her second family, where she was blessed and was a blessing to all who knew her.

She loved working at the Adult Activity Center, where she held many positions over the years and received her nickname “Glow” due to her trademark smile. She was involved in the Special Olympics, where she competed in track and field events as well as swimming. She was very proud of her many medals and ribbons.

She lived life to the fullest, enjoying all life had to offer. She loved bowling, dancing, never missing a dance and fashion shows at the What-Not-Shop. What she loved most of all was the company of friends and family. She spent weekends with her family in Livermore Falls and attended church on Sundays. She shared her love of the Lord with all around her.

Recently she took her “dream trip” to North Carolina and Tennessee, visiting her two aunts, Evangeline and Donna, and her sister Ruth.

She touched the lives of all who met her with her ready smile and sunny disposition.

She is survived by her two sisters, Ruth Sharon Crandall and her husband, Todd, of Tennessee, and Sylvia Sanders and her husband, Bob, of Livermore Falls; a niece, Catherine Payne and her husband, Danny, of Lexington, N.C.; two nephews, Jacob Sanders and his wife, Athena, of Jay and Kevin Sanders of Jay; five great-nieces and nephews, Avery and Braxton Payne of Lexington, N.C., Gavin, Bretteney and Ian Sanders of Jay; two special aunts, Evangeline Chandler and Donna Easter of North Carolina; and many loving cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, ClaraMay and Stephen McKenna.

She will be sorely missed by one and all. Her loving smile never forgotten and forever cherished.