Gloria (Marois) Ward, an intuitive counselor, teacher, and cherished family member, has passed on July 14, about a month shy of her 85th birthday. She suffered from the effects of Parkinson’s and was lovingly cared for by her husband, Paul, and in home caregivers until her peaceful passing.

Born in Berlin, NH, to the late Philippe and Verna Marois, Gloria’s descendants traced to Scotland, Ireland and France in ancient times and to Quebec and New England in more recent years. She lived many years in Salem, Massachusetts and the North Shore and most recently settled in Manchester.

If there was one thing anyone who knew Gloria could agree on, it was that she never did anything halfway. She lived her life with a distinct flair, known for dressing a bit outrageously and constantly pushing the envelope when it came to uniqueness. She was fully, unapologetically herself, and that vibrant individuality defined both her personal life and her career.

Throughout her life, Gloria beautifully balanced a sharp, analytical mind with her wonderfully unconventional soul. In her early career, she worked in technical and logistical fields, including roles as a printed circuit designer and a logistics coordinator for the communications industry.

Her true life’s work, however, was in the spiritual arts, a field where her natural flair truly shone. For over 40 years, Gloria practiced as a self-employed intuitive counselor based in Salem, MA. (How appropriate!) Her work was built on a simple, powerful foundation: that we create the world around us with our thoughts. Through her unique insight, she offered guidance on personal, business, and spiritual matters to thousands of clients across New England.

Gloria was also a dedicated educator who loved helping others tap into their own inner strength. She spent a decade teaching courses on tarot, shamanism, and manifestation at Salem State College, and later taught tarot and psychic awareness at North Shore Community College. In 1998, she partnered with Patti Sheets to form Psychic Entertainment in Salem, providing enlightening psychic experiences for events throughout the region.

In recent years, she particularly enjoyed RV life at the Bluffs in Freedom, New Hampshire where she was an active member of its community.

Above all, Gloria was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Paul Ward, and her son, Kenneth McPherson, and his wife, Diane, grandsons Jake McPherson and his wife, Abby, and great-grandson, Ronan, and grandsons, Zach McPherson and Nick McPherson.

She leaves behind her brother, Dan Marois, and his wife Denise of Rochester, NH; her niece, Katherine Nadeau, her husband, BJ, and great-nephew, Olivier Nadeau in Somersworth; as well as Wayne Jenks and his husband, Michael of Agawam, Massachusetts; and Eric Poulin and his partner, Kent, of Berlin, NH. She also leaves her treasured sister-in-law, Gerri Ward of Milford, Connecticut. She is survived by her former husband, Robert McPherson of Jackson, NH. She also leaves so many dear friends who were so kind to her during her life. She treasured her time with Jelly, her long-time cat companion.

Paul and Gloria especially want to thank the caregivers that brought so much comfort to them in Gloria’s last days. They are truly saints.

She was predeceased by her parents, Philippe and Verna Marois; her sister, Laureen Poulin, and brother-in-law, Roger; and a son, William McPherson. She was especially close to her grandmother, Leona Clinch.

Gloria’s wisdom, warmth, and fiercely unique perspective on life will be deeply missed by the family she loved and the many lives she touched.

Details of a Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. 

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.  To view Gloria’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.