Gloria (Henderson) Fairbrother, obituary
SWANVILLE — Gloria (Henderson) Fairbrother, 74, of Swanville, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. She was born in Blue Hill, Maine, on September 13, 1951, to Vernal and Leah Henderson, and graduated from Belfast Area High School with the Class of 1969.
Gloria spent most of her adult life working for Matthews Brothers, where she was a dedicated and valued employee until her retirement in 2014.
She was known for her quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and sharp wit — qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.
A lifelong woman of faith, Gloria was the longest attending member of Faith Temple Church in Belfast at the time of her passing. She began attending the church at the age of eight and remained a faithful member throughout her life. Her faith was a cornerstone of who she was, and it brought her great joy that her son now serves as pastor of the same church that shaped her spiritual journey.
Gloria loved her grandchildren, supporting them by attending all of their theater productions and athletic endeavors. She loved football and could often be found cheering from the stands across the state, proudly supporting her son and grandsons as they played at both the high school and college levels. She also cherished long motorcycle rides shared with her husband, Paul, her brother Arlen, and sister-in-law Brenda — moments that reflected her adventurous spirit and love of family.
Gloria leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Paul Fairbrother; her son, Arthur Fairbrother and his wife Jennifer of Belfast and their sons Jacob (Katie), Joshua, Andrew, and Anthonie, all of Belfast; her daughter Bobbi-jo Fairbrother of Belfast and her children Erin McKinnon (Josh) of Sweet Home, Oregon, Chris Hayes of Old Town, and Grace Hayes of Belfast. She was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Brooklynn McKinnon, of Oregon.
She is survived by her brothers Vernal “Dell” Henderson (Thuy) of Mesa, Arizona, Gene Henderson of Hampden, Maine, Robert Henderson (Valerie) of Stockton Springs, Maine, Arlen Henderson (Brenda) of Prospect, Maine; her sister, Daisy Woodman (Atwood) of Winterport, Maine; and her lifelong best friend, Sharon Howe. She also leaves behind two special nephews, Aaron and Anthony Gatheright, both of Winterport, and several other nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
Gloria was predeceased by her parents and by her daughter Mary Anne Fairbrother.
Gloria will be remembered for her faith, loyalty, wit, and deep love for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed but her legacy of devotion and quiet strength will live on in all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held November 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Faith Temple Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waldo Oncology Patient Assistance.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.

