Gloria Shirley (Josephs) Provencher

Gloria Shirley (Josephs) Provencher, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, where she was loved dearly. She was the loving wife of her adoring husband, Ralph “Sonny” Provencher, for 24 years.

Gloria was born in Boston on January 2, 1939, the beloved daughter of the late Morris and Lillian (Goldman) Josephs.

In addition to her husband, “Sonny”, Gloria is survived by her three children: Marc and his wife Dianne Herson of Richmond, VA, Ilene and her husband Ed Hadfield of Taunton, and Lisa and her husband Mark Phillips of Worcester; and her two stepsons: Dan and his wife Anita Provencher of Rutland, and Kevin Provencher of Leicester.

Gloria also leaves behind her grandchildren, who brought such pride and joy to her life: Rebecca Mirabile, Alyson Mirabile, Michael and his wife Jamie Mirabile, Kaitlyn Searl, Tosha and her husband Kyree Hall, Maddie and Sydney Provencher, and her great-grandchildren Declan, Connor, Skylar, Paisley, Michael, Laely and Kaide; her sister, Francine Gomberg; her nephews, Alan Gomberg, David Gomberg and Howard Frank; her niece, Pam and her husband Brian Horenstein; and her dearest best friend, Dr. Arlene Seal. Gloria was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Frank, brother-in-law Irwin Gomberg, and nephew Jeff Frank.

Gloria graduated from Middlesex Community College with an A.S. in Social Work. She went on to work at Framingham Day Hospital as a vocational counselor. Then at King Phillip Elder Services as a case manager. Gloria was always interested in helping others.

She was also involved in many activities, including being a Mary Kay representative, an Avon representative, an Aerobics instructor and a licensed hair salon stylist. She retired from Keystone Staffing, where she was a scheduler for placing CNA and nurses for private care clients.

Gloria went on to start a women’s group at the Northborough Senior Center, where her positive attitude, kind heart and ability to bring smiles and joy to others was extraordinary. Everyone loved Gloria. She will be missed very much.

A graveside service for Gloria will take place at 1:45 PM on Friday, September 29 at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon. Attendees should gather at the cemetery chapel building between 1:00-1:30 PM. We will drive in procession together to the grave for the service at 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/manh