PORTLAND — Mere words cannot describe the pain and loss felt for our beloved mother, Gloria Blais Garant, who has now passed away awaiting the return of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, March 6.

She was a truly unique and wonderful person who loved her Lord and her family more than anything in the world. Born and raised in Lewiston, Gloria was French-Canadian and lived her entire life in Lewiston.

As a young woman, she lost her mother at a very young age and had to take care of her father. She later joined the convent for a few years, after which she decided to leave and begin a family. She married a childhood friend, Noel Garant in 1962. Gloria raised two children, whom she prayed to God to have; her beloved son, Joseph and her cherished daughter, Anne.

She loved her children very much and always wanted what was best for them. She worked as a nurses aide/dietician in several different nursing homes. She became a widow after 36 years of marriage in 1998. Her own health soon began to fail afterwards and she struggled with several different health issues. Her daughter, Anne, took her into her home for the last four years of her life and became her caregiver.

She loved old movies and collecting dolls. Her favorite actress was Shirley Temple, who as a young girl she resembled. She enjoyed simple things like Starburst candies and strawberry milk shakes, watching television and talking on the phone to her friends, including her daughter-in-law, Linda. During the last month of her life, she began to experience serious health issues too great to be cared for at home. She spent two weeks at Central Maine Medical Center then was taken to Maine Medical Center when her health failed rapidly.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Garant Steele and Anne Edwards; her only brother, Reno Blais; her daughter-in-law, Linda Steele; her daughter’s boyfriend, Nicholas Sperdakos; and her daughter’s ex-husband, Richard Edwards.

Gloria has left a void in our lives that can only be filled with God’s love and mercy. Her very last words to her children were “I did the best that I could” and she did. Mother, we have always loved you and we always will. We will see you again soon.

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