Gloria Jean Trahan
Gloria Jean Phillips Trahan, 62, of Elmo, MT, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and friend passed on, surrounded by her loving family and friends in her home Monday March 15th.
Gloria was born August 30th 1947 to James Douglas Phillips Sr. and Mary Gravelle Phillips in Flagstone BC. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Grasmere BC and later moved to the States where she met and married Edward Couture and had two beautiful children, a daughter Crystal, and son Darrin.
She continued to raise her children in the states after her first marriage came to an end. There she later met the “Love of her life” and “Best Friend” Arthur R. Trahan Sr. and had another beautiful daughter Michelle.
Work and education took Gloria, Art and family throughout Wyoming, Washington and Montana where they finally settled in Elmo and have lived happily since 1982.
Gloria was a quick witted, passionate and quickly made life long friendships every where she went. She enjoyed learning and sharing her knowledge and found her calling, working for The People’s Center as a Curatorial Technician. Together with other staff and with her gift for getting people to work together, built a museum with many exhibits and implemented many gatherings that helped educate not only her people, but anyone that took to time to learn about the Kootenai, Salish and Pend D Oreilles peoples. She enjoyed doing things like making baskets, tule tipi’s, sewing, baking, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens with her husband by her side. Gloria was very involved in sustaining the Kootenai Language and culture. Her words of encouragement were, “learn who your family is, it gives you strength.” She was proud to be a full blooded Kootenai and was always encouraging the kids in her community to learn about their ancestors and their culture. She was “grandmom” to all the kids in her neighborhood on the hill, and will be greatly missed by all.
Gloria is survived by her husband Art Trahan Sr; daughters, Crystal Couture Houle (Jesse) of Hiles, WI. Michelle Trahan and fiancé Joe Usher of Elmo; stepsons, Les Trahan (Jennifer) of Ronan, MT. Art Trahan Jr. and Daniel Trahan of St. Ignatius, and Luke Trahan of Pablo, MT; stepdaughters, Nicole Trahan Peasely (Mark) of Arlee, MT. Chelsea Hewankorn of Evaro, MT; sisters, Sadie Phillips Saloway of Elmo, Angela Gorrie Paradis (Paul) of Grasmere BC. Susie Gorrie/Searls of Hundred Mile House, BC; brother, Victor Phillips (June) of Big Sandy, MT; grandchildren, Jesse Houle IV of Fond Du Lac, WI. Tonya Houle of Crandon, WI, Stephanie Cleereman of Newald, WI, Melanie Houle of Crandon WI, Danny Houle from Hiles, WI, Josie Ray Usher of Elmo, MT; great-grandchildren, Carsyn Mayer & Reece Mayer of Crandon, WI, Cassidy Sepneski of Green Bay, WI, Sydney Houle of Fond Du Lac, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents James Douglas Phillips Sr. and Mary Gravelle. Her only son Darrin Couture. Her older sister Sarah “Sally” Pierre. Her older brother James Douglas Phillips Jr “Sonny”.
Gloria’s only regret is not being here to spoil all of her grand and great grandkids. But if there is one thing that we will always remember Gloria for, was her boog-a-loo dancing in her flashy shirts.
Gloria will be brought to her home on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, where family will receive visitors. Gloria will be taken to the Elmo Community Center on the morning of Thursday March 18, 2010. Rosary Services will be at 8 p.m. and she will remain there until Funeral Services on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at the Dayton Cemetery.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Gloria’s family.
Sorry for you loss.
Michelle & Art…
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can take away the pain of losing a mother, wife and grandmother. I have many memories of her and your family. I enjoyed all the times I got to spend the night when I was younger. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us. I remember at the dances, my girls hugged her and wished her a happy new year! She beamed! She will be missed.
Art and family: I’m very sorry about your loss. I didn’t know your wife, Art, but it sounds like you were a very fortunate man to have her in your life. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Dolores Plumage
Ft. Belknap, MT
Am so sorry to hear about Gloria. Will always remember all the fun we had in the earlier years. Just wanted to let everyone know I’m thinking about you all in this time of sorrow. Take care & my prayers are with all of you, Nancy Schall
Hello All,
I was saddened by the news and sorry that I can’t make the wake or service. My thoughts are with you.
I send my deepest sympathy to all. I pray for your peace and comfort at such a very sad time. I will always remember such a happy little lady with a word for all! An old friend, Karen Cook, Texas
Gloria was a beautiful person and I know her spirit shall thrive through her Children, GrandChildren & GreatGrandChildren! I feel very fortunate to have known her, even though I knew her little I felt the great spirit she had within her. Gloria seemed to always be smiling and enjoying life! I feel for those of you whom will be missing her dearly, please be comforted by the knowledge of her love for you all and the wonderful life she had! Life can be much to short at times and to know she fully grasped all life had to offer is a wonderful thing in its own! My Prayers of comfort go out to all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss.
ALL,
My heart and prayers are with you at this time. No words can express the loss. Sorry I missed the service just found out about it yeaterday,
God Bless you and yours,
June D. Skaggs
I’m sorry to hear about Gloria, I just read about her passing online today, Monday. I was on travel this past week. My condolences to all of her family and community. I will always remember her a very strong spirited woman who spoke up for what she believed in.
Mary Jane Charlo
Art, Sadie and Gloria’s family,
Deepest sympathy to all of you for your great loss. Gloria was a bright star who shined on the days and lives of all she met. She was always so happy to see a friend and let you know that. I am sorry I didn’t know of your loss earlier so didn’t attend services. God’s Peace be with you all.
Art, Crystal, and Michelle.
Mom and Dad told me about Gloria’s passing. We are so sorry we could not be there. I will always remember her laugh and sense of humor.
My condolences go out to Gloria’s family and friends. I met Gloria through her work at the People’s Centre and found her energy and enthusiasm catching. Her hands on approach to learning her culture made activities like making tule teepees a fun experience. She encouraged me to ride a horse after a 20 year absence. Her presence will be sorely missed. I’m sure her family will continue her legacy.
My condolences go out to Glorias family,she was a special women and i’m glad to have met her Petra Lösch Rosenbach Germany