Born Gloria Arlene Harrison on March 11th, 1929 to George and Lillian Harrison of Bridgeport Connecticut, she grew up alongside her sister Shirley on Summer Street. The Harrisons were active in the church, and together formed the Harrison Family Band with Gloria and George on violin, Shirley on piano, and Lillian on cello.
After graduating from Warren Harding High School in 1947, Gloria attended Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing, earning her degree in 1950. While working as a nurse at Bridgeport Hospital, she met anesthesiologist Alan Randall (1918-2013) of Hartford. They married in 1951 just before he deployed to Korea, where he served in the army as a medical officer from 1951-1953.
The couple had 5 children, Kathleen (1954-1972), Douglas, Leslie, Susan, and Julia. They lived in Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, and Ohio before finally settling on Cape Cod in 1968.
Gloria and Alan enjoyed sailing, and Gloria remained a member of the Hyannis Yacht Club for 52 years. She travelled often with her husband, and especially looked forward to their annual trip to Mexico Beach Florida. Known for her sweet demeanor and scathing one-liners, Gloria had many friends with whom she loved to laugh and socialize. She enjoyed knitting, and was never more content than when reading a book.
She is also survived by five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Hannah, Tucker, Heather and Cole.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 26th from 9 to 11 a.m. at Doane Beal & Ames, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis. A Graveside Service will follow in Mosswood Cemetery, 280 Putnam Ave., Cotuit. Donations in her name can be made to the Yarmouth Fire Department.
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