Ms. Gloria Rowe Chandler died peacefully Aug. 29, 2021, with her family at her side at the age of 81. She was born in Willis Wharf to her parents, John and Naomi Rowe. During World War II, her family relocated to Gloucester, Va., so her father could work at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. After the war, the family returned to Willis Wharf. Her childhood home in Willis Wharf was filled with many warm memories – memories she often shared with her family and friends. She would go on to graduate from Northampton High School. An early honor she received was when she was crowned Miss Northampton County in 1958.
After devoting her early adult years to raising her young family, Gloria began working for Chandler’s Furniture in Onancock assisting customers with interior design. Eventually she moved into a career in real estate, which she continued for many years. Those who knew Gloria were aware of her strong and straightforward personality – qualities that supported her in this field. She would have a successful career working for Lassiter Realty and Coldwell Banker. Gloria eventually earned her broker’s license and was one of the co-owners of Southern Shores Realty.
Gloria was a person of many interests. For a time in her life, she was a horse riding enthusiast enjoying rides on her horse, Beach Boy. Her varied interests over the years included softball, bowling, gardening, and even the Chinese art of tai chi. Music was a constant part of her life. She listened to a variety of musical genres from country to rock. She enjoyed playing piano. She also loved to sing at the churches she belonged to, most recently as a choir member at Onley United Methodist Church. Reading was a lifelong passion for Gloria. She kept up with the latest fiction from Nicholas Sparks, Fannie Flagg, and Barbara Kingsolver. She frequently enjoyed her off time at the beach. Whether relaxing on the shore with friends or spending the day reading her Sunday paper listening to the waves, she loved the ocean. Even on workdays, her mornings were faithfully devoted to enjoying her four-mile daily walks around Onley before heading to the office to meet the challenges of the day.
Family was always a priority for Gloria. Visits to her home usually involved trips to Salisbury, Md., for shopping and dining, or sitting down to a home-cooked meal of fried chicken or chicken and dumplings. As she often said, her home was a place family and friends would naturally gravitate and spend time. Her home was also a reflection of her love for antiques as she enjoyed explaining the significance and provenance of many of her items.
Gloria’s unique personality and humor will be missed by her three children: daughters, Susan and Beth, and their husbands; son, Steve; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, friends – both lifelong and new, her caretakers, and her many former customers and co-workers.
Gloria’s family would like to give thanks to the kind caregivers along her journey – in particular the hospice professionals whose care provided her dignity and compassion. They will never forget the work which made a difference in their mother’s life.
Gloria will be buried in the Belle Haven Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 situation, no public services will be held. Please remember Gloria as the beautiful, gregarious, and outspoken person that she was – a woman who lived her life to the fullest. She will be dearly missed by her family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
