Gloria Aiken Obituary

Gloria Jean (Mason) Aiken (June 30, 1942- July 6, 2025)
On Sunday evening July 6, after a difficult year of illness, Gloria peacefully passed over to be with the Lord. Recently celebrating her eighty-third birthday, Gloria had a storied journey while here on earth. Born in Syracuse, NY to parents Charlotte (Cain) and George Mason, Gloria was the eldest of five siblings. Her youth was often a time of struggle for the family, and Gloria told many stories of surmounting many challenges. She fondly talked of her little brother, Ronnie Lee Mason, who passed at a very young age. With an incredible work ethic and bravery, at 16 she left home to work as part of the housekeeping staff at a nearby girl's school. It was difficult for her to be separated from her 3 sisters, but her leap into independence was proof of her determination and resilience.
In her early twenties, after working various jobs to support herself, she married and was blessed, as she would always say, to have two beloved children. Gloria is survived by her son, Kevin D. Sanborn (wife Penelope K. Sanborn) of Harpswell, ME and daughter, Kimberly Sanborn Valimont of Salisbury, MA. Gloria also leaves behind her two wonderful grown grandsons, Nicholas A. Sanborn and Alexander J. Sanborn. Gloria attended her grandsons' school concerts, sporting events, birthdays, and endured their good-hearted teasing of their Grammy, whom they loved dearly. Gloria loved to laugh.
Gloria was extremely intelligent and resourceful, proof of which is earning her GED later in life, becoming a dental hygienist and ultimately earning her RN from Cheshire Hospital School of Nursing in Keene, NH. Gloria moved throughout her life, often following her children, living in Groton, MA, Swanzey and Keene, NH, Simsbury, CT and finally Maine. Some of Gloria's favorite things were French Lilacs, the film Gone with The Wind, fine chocolates, grilled salmon, and Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee (not necessarily in that order). She was a devoted Christian with deep faith, a loving homemaker who liked gardening with her children, a nurse, and a poet. Gloria was very particular and often very direct, which only added to her unique charm.
Often saying animals are better than humans, Gloria was devoted to her many pets over the years, including her children's pets. Dogs and cats loved her and were a huge comfort to her throughout her journey here on earth. They were surely there to welcome her to heaven.
Gloria will be missed by many, especially her sisters and their families, Diane E. Donath of Syracuse, Joyce A. Vollmer of Baldwinsville, NY, and Sharlene R. Mason of Brewerton, NY, to whom she talked with almost daily. Her many nieces and nephew held a special place in her heart.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Belden Forest Court in Simsbury, CT Coastal Shores in Brunswick, ME and Andwell Hospice House in Auburn, ME. Also thanks to Pastor Josiah Wannemacher of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Auburn, for visiting and praying with Gloria in her final days.
A private service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, (which Gloria was unfortunately allergic to anyway) please consider a donation to the ASPCA http://www.ASPCA.org or Andwell Hospice care, https://andwell.org/giving/donate
Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Stetson's Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Stetson's Funeral Home website, www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com