Gloria Allington

Live Stream:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Jean Allington. Born on May 21, 1945, to John Henry Ham and Selma Tina (Haabak) Thorson Bothen, in Northwood, North Dakota, Gloria grew up on a farm near Aneta, ND.

After graduating from Aneta High School in 1964, she attended the University of ND at Grand Forks, where she met Gary Francis Allington. They were married on June 6, 1966. They immediately moved to Miami, FL for Gary’s employment.

Gloria pursued a career in nursing, attending Miami Dade Community College, earning an associate degree in Nursing and became employed at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, as staff nurse and Assistant Head Nurse from1966-1973. She then began her employment with the University of Miami School of Medicine, holding various positions until 1981, when she became Director of Division of Continuing Education, she held this position until her retirement in 2006. She continued her education while employed at the University of Miami earning her Master of Science in Education degree in 1987.

Throughout her career, Gloria’s contributions were impactful, earning her recognition as a noteworthy educator by “Marquis Who’s Who.” Gloria was the recipient of the James W. Colbert Junior MD Award, Health Education Media Association in 1977. Gloria’s generosity extended beyond the professional realm, as demonstrated by her role in establishing the McDonald House in Miami, FL, and her selfless actions during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Her area was spared, and she grilled food for neighbors and first responders for several days following the disaster, saving thawed food from freezers.

Gloria traveled extensively setting up workshops for continuing education for physicians and others in the medical field. Her favorite workshops were at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Colorado, and Miami Beach. She also loved traveling and vacationed to Paris, England, and Egypt. Her favorite place was her timeshare property on Sanibel Island in Florida.

Gloria’s and Gary’s paths diverged in May of 1986, although they remained friends. She married Charles “Chuck” Blowers on February 12, 2005, after dating and being best friends for 10 years. They retired in 2006 and moved to Clearwater, FL to be closer to Chuck’s family. While in Stafford Assisted Living, Chuck died during Covid on July 25, 2020.

Gloria moved to Stafford Independent Living, Palm Beach, FL in 2016 where she resided until June 6, 2023, when she moved to Eventide Nursing Home, Fargo, ND, to be closer to family. She resided there until her passing.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Gloria found joy in photography and gourmet cuisine and wine. Her annual Christmas gatherings were a neighborhood and family highlight, embodying her spirit of warmth and hospitality.

Gloria is remembered for her love, generosity, and kindness; always giving her family and friends gifts and fantastic memories of trips to Florida with lots of sightseeing, great restaurants (her favorite being Bon Appetite), and even deep-sea fishing. Gloria’s adoration for her dogs knew no bounds, showcasing her nurturing and caring nature.

Gloria is survived by her sister, Janice (Darryl) Osowski, Walker, MN; niece, Sandra (Kevin) Hilscher, Mapleton, ND; nephews, John K (Ann) Ham, Audubon, MN, Brian (Teresa) Ham, Alice, ND, Wayne Ham (Melissa Reardon), Fargo, ND.

Gloria is preceded by her parents, her husband, Charles Blowers (2021); brother, John T Ham and his wife, Lois Ham.

A memorial service to celebrate Gloria’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be held at Silent Hill Cemetery, Aneta, ND at a later date.