Gloria Dawn Symonds

Gloria Dawn (Jackson) Symonds passed away while at her home in Contoocook, NH, at the age of 93, on Monday, February 24th, 2025. Gloria has brought love, joy, and light to those around her throughout her time on this earth. An active member of the local Contoocook community, her loss will be felt by the many that learned from her, laughed with her, and loved her dearly. Gloria was born December 2nd, 1931, in Bethlehem, NH, to Elmer and Lillian (Ross) Jackson, where she grew up with her five siblings. She graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1948, and went on to pursue her degree in teaching, graduating from Keene State College. Gloria held many roles and titles throughout her life: student, teacher, dedicated worker, volunteer, Brownie Troop Leader, cribbage champion, good friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. No matter what the role, she brought her compassion, sharp wit, and exuberance. Gloria met her husband and love of her life, Richard Symonds, in 1955. They married May 18,1957. Happily married for 46 years Gloria brought her love and light to many communities around her, through which she made wonderful friendships; She attended the Contoocook United Methodist Church, volunteered at and was a member of the Slusser Senior Recreation Council , Slusser Senior Center and Library; belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies,, the Golden Group the Red Hat Society, and was a founding member of the Couples Club and Contoocook Sno Mads Snowmobile Club. Gloria was an avid card player, line-dancer, senior exercise instructor as well as a passionate Red Sox and Celtics fan. In her quieter moments, she completed daily crosswords and enjoyed reading. Her love of many hobbies and communities’ lives on, as she shared her passion for them with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gloria is survived by her brother, Alan Jackson of Bethlehem, NH, and her two children and their spouses, Bethany (Symonds) and Neil Chapman of Weare, NH, and Michael and Maria (Sartorelli) Symonds of Contoocook, NH, as well as her four step-grandchildren and seventeen step- greatgrandchildren and one step-great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie Symonds of Goffstown, NH, Melissa Symonds of Salisbury, MA, Chelsea Chapman of Manchester NH, and Alan Chapman and his wife Tessa (Smith) of Epping, NH—as well as by her great-grandchildren Brett Symonds, Kalyn Symonds, and Ian Patterson; and several nieces and nephews. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Richard Symonds, who passed in 2003, as well as four of her siblings: Jean, Norman, Beth, and Timothy, her grandson Anthony Symonds, and her great-granddaughter Aurora. Gloria loved her husband, siblings, grandchild, and great-grandchild whole-heartedly. Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 6th, from 4 PM to 7 PM in Hillsborough, NH, at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Homes. The funeral will take place Friday, March 7th, at 1 PM at the Contoocook United Methodist Church, with reception to follow at the Contoocook American Legion (Post #81). In lieu of flowers, donations to Slusser Senior Center, 41 Houston Dr. Contoocook, NH 03229 or the Contoocook United Methodist Church, 24 Maple Street, Hopkinton, NH 03229 in Gloria’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

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Gloria Dawn Symonds

December 2, 1931 - February 24, 2025