Gloria Newton

Gloria Ann (Goold) Newton

October 2, 1934 – May 29, 2019

Gloria Ann Newton will be remembered as a strong, competent and independent woman who pursued her passions with humor and grace.  Remembered, too, for the endless and quiet support she provided to the people around her; nurturing, caring and helping them be more than the sum of their parts.

Gloria cherished 3 things in life: birds, cats and people. (She would probably laugh at this and remark, “Quite possibly in that order.”)  She studied guides while watching the many species of western birds out her grand windows.  She fed them in abundance and they returned the favor by bringing beauty and song into her life.  The local vets could always count on Gloria to provide necessary care for injured felines.  She adopted them and treated them to long purring sessions, endless play and a generous plot on her bed every night.  Those many cats each had a special place in her heart.  But it was the love, empathy and appreciation she brought to the people in her life - both family and friends - that stands out the most. Her lifelong friendship with a childhood friend from kindergarten involved waiting eagerly at her doorstep to play at the age of 6 and, years later, caring for her as she battled cancer through the end of her life.  Family, friends, associates and complete strangers were equally likely to be recipients of Gloria’s interest and abiding compassion. All would speak of her generosity, big heart and loving ways. Few could resist her infectious laugh and ear to ear smile. Her husband, companion and partner, Bill, was a wellspring of joy in her life.  She connected with him through the very end with a quick smile, touch to the shoulders or mention of his name.  Her love for Bill could be described as seamless, deep and enduring and was only matched by Bill’s love for her. Together, they forged a true life partnership of 47 years.

Gloria graduated from South Gate High School in 1952.  During high school, she involved herself in many clubs such as, Pep Squad, the Ladies of South Gate, Girl’s League, and Student Body as Secretary.  She held leadership roles in many and was admired by faculty, students and her many friends.  She went on to study at the University of Southern California with help from Mrs. Clarke, a family friend, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education.  She taught the 4th grade and worked in sales before her keen eye and love of nature led her to study horticulture and landscape design at Cal Poly Pomona.  She then co-founded an interior landscape business, readily providing the Latin names of the most unusual plants.

In 1989, during a short sabbatical from Southern California, Gloria and Bill drove the western states and discovered Jackson Hole.  They fell in love with the landscape, wildlife and people.  In the years to come, Gloria’s love for her community led her to involvement as a Trustee of Wyoming Nature Conservancy, St. John’s Hospital Foundation, Newton Foundation and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.   Together with Bill, they advocated for many other nonprofit organizations and causes such as domestic violence, mental health, education and healthcare just to name a few.  They formed gifting circles, such as the Trailblazers, and inspired a culture of giving uniquely defining Jackson Hole.  Gloria, in particular, always took time to express her gratitude and pride in nonprofit staff and volunteers.  She was a Co-Challenger in Old Bill’s Fun Run donning many colorful t-shirts over the years, proudly cheering on runners and supporting every non-profit in Jackson Hole for its 22-year history.  She’s part of a legacy that inspired a community to value philanthropy.

All the while, she traveled the world with Bill, friends and sometimes on her own.  She backpacked in Yosemite, cruised the New England coast, visited townships in South Africa and navigated England in a Mini Cooper.  She designed and decorated gardens and homes worthy of magazines.  She was an avid reader and faithful to her journal nearly every day of her life. Travel, reflection, books, art, design, architecture, animals and wildlife are the things that brought her joy.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Hilda and Charles Goold; brothers, William and Chuck Goold and dear friend, Maureen Herring.  She is survived by her husband, Bill Newton; brother, Robert Goold; step-son Cory (Annie) Newton; grandchildren, Chloe and Piper Newton; Sister-in-Law, June Newton West; Brother-in-Law, Allen (Rochelle) Newton; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and Mandy who will miss her warm lap and soft touch.

Gloria’s family is forever grateful to her many caregivers and supporters, Alix Taylor, Keni Jeppson, Ronda Moss, Keli McCullough, Shannon Dale, Jo Warden, Mike Symmons, Tina Seay and nieces, Sue Fronda and Cheri Mandaquit.  With their help, especially that of Alix, the final chapter of this special woman’s life was full of tenderness, respect and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria’s honor may be sent to any local nonprofit.