CAMDEN - Gloria Parker, 83, passed away Nov. 17, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Gloria grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1950. After spending time traveling she married Howard Dyer in 1960 and settled in Camden.

She lived in the same house for 50 years. When Howard died in 2001, they had been married more than 40 years. She later married Frank Parker, who predeceased her this year.

She worked hard her whole life, both in and out of the home, and was a waitress for many years at the Sail Loft Restaurant in Rockport.

Gloria was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friend. She always put the needs of others before her own. She enjoyed gardening, camping, boating and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren, who called her "Grammie Glo." She was a great cook and was famous for her homemade pickles, potato salad and spaghetti sauce. She loved holidays, especially Christmas. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor that stayed with her through her final days.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Elwin Mank; her brother, Frank Mank and his wife, Christine; and her brother-in-law, William Gleason.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Lisa Holt and her husband, Earle, of Camden, and Yvonne Dyer and her husband, Chuck Smith, of Auburn; six grandchildren, Tyler, Noah, Quinn and Madison Holt, Elizabeth and Kelsey Smith; her sister, Rosalie Gleason; her brothers, Elwin Mank and his wife, Carolyn, and Meryvn Mank and his wife, Gail; as well as numerous nephews and nieces, extended family and many friends.

A private service will be held next spring.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, 77 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.