Gloria Elizabeth Melcher Coffin

Gloria Elizabeth Melcher Coffin, originally from Wilton, primarily of Portland, and currently of Raymond, Maine, with brief periods in Providence, RI, and Standish, has transitioned to a new, unknown realm where she is undoubtedly thrilled at the adventure before her and thoroughly annoyed by its early occurrence. Preceding Gloria in passing are her incredible parents, Guy Whittier Jr. and Arlene Theodora (Tracy) Melcher, and nephews Tim, Todd, and Daniel Kelly—all of whom are likely shocked at her sudden arrival but rejoicing in their reunion. Still sticking around are those who will miss her immeasurably: her husband, Paul; their son, Guy (who made her a mom); daughter, Tracy (who made her a Granna), and son-in-law, Matt (Adams); her baby boy, Teddy (who made her laugh), and daughter-in-law, Jordan; and grandchildren, Mason and Maxine, of whom she was so impressed; the beloved intruder/younger sister, Leslie, and brother-in-law, Dana (Kelly); as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins (oh, how she loved those cousins). Gloria was a student at Oakdale, Nathan Clifford School, King Junior High, and Portland High School. As a young mother, she completed her associate’s degree at Westbrook College with high honors and returned to college as a grandmother of teens to earn her bachelor’s degree, receiving the inaugural full scholarship for women at The American Women’s College at Bay Path University. She is likely frosted her hope to match her son’s master’s degree is dashed—partly because of her love of education, but mostly because he now holds the win. Phooey. Never one to allow gender norms to dictate the direction of her life, Gloria was a forerunner of women in ministry who stood against the patriarchy in New England and became a licensed, ordained minister, always leaning into embracing and defending the marginalized and protecting the vulnerable in her ministry. She spent many years as a unit clerk in SCU and P6, and the past several years as a call chaplain at what she continued to affectionately call Maine Medical Center. During her tenure, she enveloped patients, their family and friends, nurses, residents, doctors, and staff in arms of love, understanding, and support. She taught refugees medical terminology through Maine’s adult education system, English to refugees in Kosovo, and tutored children in the public schools. Her recent position with Preble Street brought her immense joy as she participated in their mission to empower and advocate for those in need in a city she deeply loved her entire life: Portland, Maine. Gloria provided guidance, support, counsel, encouragement, and laughter to many through her work at the hospital, in churches, classrooms, choirs, summer camps, and every single one of her daily interactions. Every one was special. Every one was interesting. Every one had a story. Pastor Gloria would want to remind you: hidden within the ordinary are perfectly timed moments of synchronicity waiting just for you. Oftentimes, an answer or an opportunity comes from taking a step outside your comfort zone, believing in yourself, and trusting something beautiful will happen through you or for you. Most importantly, Gloria wants you—yes, YOU—to know you are worthy of love, kindness, and belonging just the way you are, so let not anyone convince you otherwise. Listen for the small voice within, and follow the dream. When in doubt, choose love. We have done our best to encapsulate a person who has been, and always will be, definitively all her own. As a creative, she loved to write, freelanced as an editor, and was a published author. She was meticulous about the English language (though she was never a fan of the Oxford comma’s rise in popularity). Grammar and spelling were important to her! She would have our necks should you find a spelling or punctuation flaw in this, our ode to Gloria, so please comb through it—we think we did her proud. Thank you for loving our Gloria. A private family service will be held graveside in the spring.

Gloria Elizabeth Melcher Coffin

January 15, 2025

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