The family moved to Homer in August 1963 when Robert was commander of Ohlson Mountain Air Force Station. They fell in love with Homer, and Robert built their home on Kachemak Bay. Times were challenging with few amenities during construction, but through it all she kept her sense of humor and love of life.

Gloria re-entered the work force for many years as the school secretary at Paul Banks Elementary School, watching the children grow up. She truly loved working at the school and was admired by students and faculty alike.

She worked at Sears and the Grog Shop, eventually becoming recorder for the state and finally retiring in 1987. She then worked part-time at the dental office of Vickey Hodnik, DDS, where she enjoyed keeping up her secretarial skills.

Gloria will be remembered for her bright smile, happy outlook and great sense of humor. She loved flowers and always had a fresh bouquet in her home. She saw Homer change from a "gravel road town" to pavement to the end of the Spit, where in her later years, she enjoyed watching the eagles.

She traveled to Fairbanks with her son and family, and that was precious to her. She traveled to Nevada to visit her son Terry and his family, and to Colorado to visit her daughter Debbie and son-in-law Joe. She enjoyed new surroundings, experiencing the Southwest and the adventures.

She is survived by her three children, Terry Lord and wife Joan of Georgetown, Texas, Debbie and husband Joe Hannigan of Pagosa Springs, Colo., and Leslie and husband Mike Coffing of Homer; grandchildren, Christine Lord-Leutwyler and husband Brad, Henderson, Nev., and Stephanie (Lord) Menard and husband Kevin, Salt Lake City, Utah; great-grandchildren Grace Lord-Leutwyler, Matthew Menard and Colin Menard; sister, Vivian Lord-Alge of Cresskill, N.J., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Robert Lord and her brothers Raymond, Harry and Andy Mavrakos of Maine.

Condolences may be mailed to the family in care of Terry and Joan Lord, 142 Canyon Oak Loop, Georgetown, TX 78633, Debbie and Joe Hannigan, 400 Scenic Ave., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, and Leslie and Mike Coffing, 2041 Shannon Lane, Homer, AK 99603.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gloria's memory to South Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care Activities Fund, 4300 Bartlett St., Homer, AK 99603.

Funeral arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel. Mrs. Lord's ashes will be spread over Kachemak Bay.

Information about fire, police and troopers is taken from public records consisting of logbooks and press releases.