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LEFNESKI, Gloria Jean

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Lefneski Gloria MM

Passed away peacefully the morning of February 15, 2017 at Lapointe-Fisher Nursing Home at the age of 76. She was born in Guelph, the first child of Helen Lefneski.  Gloria became a half-sister to the growing family of Elmer and Helen Burns (nee Lefneski); Margaret (DeShane), Howard, Marlene (Hanlon), Elmer, Robert, Earl, and Cheryl (Cox). Gloria was one of a large Lefneski family including 17 aunts and uncles and a group of 36 cousins!!  As a teenager Gloria came under the guardianship of her Aunt Joy and Uncle Ernie Lefneski living with them and her cousins on Silvercreek Rd for 5 years. From here, at the age of 22, she moved to Woodstock where she spent 15 happy years in Oxford Regional Centre for adults with epilepsy. She was always back to the Guelph she loved for extended holidays and stays.

In 1980, at the age of 40, she permanently returned to Guelph living for some time with her best friend Jimmy Small until his death. For the next 30 years Gloria succeeded in living independently against many odds. Especially difficult for her was her failing eyesight. Twenty five of those years were at her favourite apartment on 109 Northumberland St.  Gloria met her challenges with courage and endeared herself to so many people both in Woodstock and Guelph. She was able to do so well because of many helping hands and wonderful friendships from neighbours, family and even strangers! Her charming, quaint and generous nature was balanced with a feisty, stubborn, strong tempered spirit.

When solo living became impossible for Gloria she spent 2 years at Norfolk Manor followed by 4 and a half years at Lapointe-Fisher. For a time here she was a hall-mate to her Uncle Ernie and her brother Howie! At Lapointe-Fisher, she was grateful for weekly visits from Aunt Marilyn who brought her the sweet treats she loved. We truly appreciate the love and respect shown to Gloria during her years at Lapointe-Fisher. Thank you staff. 

Uncle Ernie nicknamed Gloria "Puddinhead" which made her smile. We say to you our Puddinhead "see ya later alligator". And we can hear her say, with a grin, "when my pants are a little straighter".

A memorial for Gloria will be held Saturday, February 25 at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph. Visitation from 10 -11.  Service at 11 am with lunch to follow. You are also welcome to join a public internment on Monday, February 27 at 11am at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Donations to the CNIB would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Gloria J. Lefneski in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 2:30 pm.



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