ROCKLAND — Gloria A. Kenney, 81, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully, in the loving arms of her two daughters, Julie and Kelly, Monday, November 2, 2020 following a courageous two year battle with
Esophageal Cancer.

Born in Rockland, January 12, 1939, she was the daughter of Rose Arlene Demmons. Throughout her childhood, Gloria was raised with and formed a life-long bond with her three cousins, who were like sisters to her, Mary McCluskey, Shirley Fish, and Sylvia Fowles. She also received immeasurable support from her grandmother, Dorothy Demmons; her aunt Florence Harvey; and her step-father Rowland Ames, Sr. Later in life, she was close to her second step-father, Levander Richardson.

Gloria attended Rockland and Thomaston Schools. Following high school she married James R. Kenney on June 11, 1955. For many years Gloria devoted her life to raising her children and caring for her family.

When her children were grown, she joined the work force, working as a bus driver and outreach worker for Coastal Community Action Program. Her selfless heart led her to a second career as an in-home care giver. She loved to go lawn-saling, never missing a deal. She loved to spend time on the beach, combing for sea-glass. Her family remembers she could spot the best pieces a mile away.

She had a great sense of humor, was very witty and loved to laugh. Her infectious smile could light up a room. And boy, did she love to have fun, cut loose and go dancing. For many years, her daughter would drop she and her ‘sisters’ off at the American Legion and pick them up a closing time at the Myrtle Street Tavern on Friday nights. Even as recently as this past February, Gloria was out having a good time with her friends and family.

Gloria was a giver, generous to a fault and would do anything she could to help someone in need. She was the first to step up whenever anyone needed help. She had hundreds of ‘peeps’, friends of her children who considered her one of their own. Gloria’s number one priority in life was her family. She was a wonderful, caring grandmother and great-grandmother and she loved nothing more than having all of her family around.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, James R. Kenney; her son John Kenney; her daughter-in-law Linda Kenney; her grandson James Kenney, II; and a cousin Shirley Fish; Gloria is survived by her children, James Kenney and his wife Gail of Rockland, Rochelle Kenney of Hope, Julie Kenney of Rockland, Kelly Kenney of Rockland; her grandchildren, Tori Kenney, Doria Hunt and her husband Dwayne, Amber Mastronardi and her husband Mike, Ashley Kenney and her boyfriend Tegan, Kaitlyn Kenney and her boyfriend Justin, Kristopher-John Kenney, Eben James Kenney, Kristina Kenney and her fiancé Jacob; her great-grandchildren, Emma Morrison and Jordan Morrison and their father Mike Morrison; her cousins who were like sisters, Mary Lou McCluskey of Thomaston, Sylvia Fowles of South Thomaston, as well as Deborah Barter; her brother Rowland Ames, Jr.; her life-time friends, Sylvia, Dodie, Trudy, Linda; a close friend and support Cara Johnson and her children, Donovan, Kaden and Annabella; her sister-in-law Sharon Teel and her husband Doug; as well as a large loving extended family and too many friends to count.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. COVID-19 precautions and social distancing will be followed, masks are encouraged and all are asked to use sensitivity and limit the time spent in the building to allow all the opportunity to pay their respects.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sea View Cemetery, Rockport.

To read a full obituary or share a memory with the Kenney family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.