Gloria Thomas
Peacefully at Brantford General Hospital we announce the passing of our Knó:ha Gloria Jean Thomas. Mother to Morrison and Simon (Chelsea). Grandmother to Tahnee, Hailey (Owen), Hannah (Julia) and Roman. Great grandmother to Keidrick, Kaleum, Lola and Makiyah. Gloria was the daughter of the late Daisy Thomas and Robertson Smoke. Sister to Elvera, Carol, and Ivan. Predeceased by siblings Alvie, Delma, Charlie, Emerson, Ron and Seymour. Special Friend to Eunice. Survived by her nieces and nephews Samantha, Heather, Rob, Paris, Cindy, Katy, Julie, Dave, Lori, Ben, Mike (deceased), Chris, Greg (deceased), Darren, Kim, Jane, Michelle, Ronnie, Butch, Darb (deceased), Brad (deceased), Jeff, Todd, Terry, Mark, Trever, Les, Eddie, Gary, Stephanie (deceased). And many more great nieces and nephews.
She tremendously enjoyed reading and watching a movie after a long work day. She loved vacationing in Mexico with her family and enjoyed cheering on her great-grandson’s at lacrosse games. She had a free and adventurous spirit that took her to many places throughout the world that led to countless stories.
Gloria had a generous spirit and strong heart, putting others before her self. She was a proud Onondaga Deer Clan Mother who devoted herself to her people.
Her life’s work was advancing Indigenous education. She worked extremely hard in all of her accomplishments, especially when she received her PhD in Cultural and Policy Studies at Queen’s University in 2013. She worked tirelessly for many decades leading the path forward in her field. Her accomplishments within academia, policy, curriculum development and Hodinohsyo:ni sovereignty will be felt for generations to come.
Her Family would like to extend a huge thank you to the nurses and staff at Six Nations Health Services and Care Partners. Special thank you to Dr. Renn and Jeanette Armstrong RN and Nurse Tessa for brightening her day every time she came. Thank you also to all that came to help and support her throughout the year.
Resting at her home on 1991 Cayuga Road, Ohsweken Ontario. Visitation Monday, February 3rd after 6pm. Burial on Wednesday February 5th, 11am at Onondaga Longhouse.