Gloria Elsie Hanson

About Gloria

Gloria Elsie Hanson, dedicated mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully with family present on May 25, 2023 at age 83 after receiving loving care from her daughters in her final three years.

Gloria, an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, was born to Clifford Frank and Margaret Rose (Belland) Beaulieu on July 30, 1939.

After graduating from high school, Gloria attended college briefly and then completed university coursework to become licensed as a Minnesota State Special Needs Tutor and Minority Counselor. She had a rewarding career supporting the higher education goals of American Indian students. Her work with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and Brainerd/Staples Technical College’s Leech Lake Center involved monthly travel and check-ins to various colleges and reservations in the state to monitor student academic progress. It was during these many trips that she exposed daughters Brenda and Anita to her admirable taste in music, listening to 8 tracks of Linda Ronstadt, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap and so many other artists, which also included much singing and laughing.

Gloria’s talents were many and were put to full use as she single-handedly raised her children. She was an excellent seamstress, creating everything from matching outfits for her young children, to flower girl dresses, to clothing alterations for her grandchildren and siblings. She loved to crochet and was in the process of creating a beautiful afghan. Gloria was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed preparing a delicious meal for her family. In her retirement years, she could often be found taking care of her grandchildren and attending their many activities, as well as watching crime dramas, The Price is Right, and Wheel of Fortune.

She was an active member of St. Peters Episcopal Church and most recently found joy watching the various wildlife in Brenda’s backyard. In addition, she spent lots of quality time with her siblings by traveling to their favorite casinos, even though she liked to tell her children she never went to these places, and if she did go, she only used her coupon and maybe spent 10 dollars.

Besides Pedro, her companion of 10 years, Gloria was very proud of her children and their respective education and also her ten grandchildren, each of whom believed they were her favorite. She did her best to be at the birth of each grandchild and some were beside her at the time of her passing. She was also excitedly awaiting the birth of her first great grandchild this summer.

Gloria provided our family with such special memories, funny stories, and most importantly an understanding of what strength and fight really mean. We are comforted knowing she will always be with us, wherever we go.

Gloria is survived by her sons Charles and Edward (Sherrie) and daughters Anita and Brenda (Andrew) Palmiotto. Grandchildren Brett, Austen, Peyton, Abbigail, Ellinor, Madeline, Emma, Rebecca, Ryan and Chase. Siblings Katherine Pemberton, Kent (Deb) Beaulieu and Susie Roy, plus many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Edward, Marvin Joseph and Richard and her sister Luella, plus special Aunt Ann Oberg.

memorial service

Memorial Visitation and Service for Gloria

June 9, 2023

Cease Family Funeral Home 2807 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

The event will be from 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. with a service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake with a reception at the Cedar Lake Casino following the service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home