Gloria Mae Parenteau, age 92, of McIntosh, MN, and formerly from Brooks, MN, passed away on November 2, 2020 at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Brooks, MN. Burial will take place immediately after the service at the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Brooks, MN.

Gloria Mae Hanson was born January 28, 1928 in St. Cloud, MN. Gloria was oldest daughter of Earl and Dora Hanson. Gloria met Aurel Parenteau while he was attending St John's University and he swept her off her feet. They were united in marriage on September 24, 1948. and he took her away from city life to the small town of Brooks. They resided in Brooks until they sold the family home in 2016 and moved to Poplar Meadows in McIntosh, MN.

Gloria enjoyed bowling, golfing, and dancing. She was a member of the St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brooks. She will always be remembered for her attention to detail and for her accurate record keeping. She always knew the details for specific events. She also played a big part in helping organize the Monday golf scrambles in Erskine. In her later years she was hooked on Word Search puzzles, enjoyed reading books, and loved watching Wheel of Fortune.

Gloria is survived by her children: Mike (Donna) Parenteau of Walla Walla, WA, Patti (Clair) Thompson, Lake Havasu City, AZ, Tom (Diane) Parenteau of Maple Grove, MN, Steve (Vickey) Grand Forks, ND, and Joe (Carol) Parenteau of Thornton, CO, Grandchildren: Jason (Holli), Aaron (Nicole), Alicia (Rob), Eric (Lauren), Beau, Addison, and Jay. Great grandchildren: Wyatt, Anders, Audrina, Talia, Harper, Brooks, and Jacques. Sister Joyce Wolhart, brother-in-law Marc (Yvonne) Parenteau, sisters in law Ione Brooks, Mary Lou (Lamont) Deaver, Nancy (Chuck) Stridde and many other relatives and friends.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Dora, husband Aurel, brother Doug, brother-in-law Lyle Wolhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Joseph's Catholic Church, Brooks, MN or to a charity of your choice. A special thank you to the caring staff at Poplar Meadows and Pioneer Care Center.

Eulogy by Joseph Parenteau at the Funeral Mass:

Hello everyone. Thank you for being here.

This isn't THE story of Mom's life, it is simply A story of Mom's life—it's difficult to summarize 92 years.

Mom loved her life in Brooks and the many close friends that she has had here. The Brooks community was always attentive to Mom and Dad—more than one of you has helped put the plastic on the porch every Fall! There were many family reunions and parties with friends held in Brooks and I think Mom loved most of them—sometimes the nights went a little longer than she preferred.

Later she became part of the Poplar Meadows community in McIntosh. She was grateful for the comfort and safety that this sanctuary provided. There are several folks who became part of her support system there; and you all know what color she wanted her bananas from the grocery store to be: GREEN!

Mom converted to Catholicism as an adult. The Church became a very important part of her life as it provided comfort, inspiration, and spiritual nourishment. Her bond with God and the local congregation was never broken.

The definition of the word "fastidious": Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

This word was invented for Gloria Parenteau. If it was recordable, she had detailed notes on it. If you have ever received a newsy letter from her, you knew exactly where and what time such and such happened. And it was always in her impeccable handwriting. She loved writing letters—she had a pen pal for over 50 years!

Another widely-known trait of Mom was that of "saving." Let's call it what it really was: a mild case of "hoarding." She had jars, boxes, and bags at the ready … just in case. A stash of Hugo's grocery bags was in her apartment … and she hasn't been to Hugo's in years!

Mom had her competitive side. She enjoyed participating in bowling leagues and golf scrambles for most of her life. She was a good golfer even into her seventies! I'm not sure if it was the game or the score-keeping that she liked better. But she loved the socializing with those involved.

Mom had a self-proclaimed bout of vanity—specifically, about her hair. She had to have her hair "done" every week. This was on the schedule and everything else had to work around it. Her appearance was a point of pride and that was part of her simple elegance. I pitied the playful friend who tried to mess up her hair. In fact, on one of her last days, a caregiver gently stroked her head, and her half-joking response was "Don't mess up my hair."

For a couple of years in the 1980s, Mom and Dad lived in Bolivia, South America. This move took no small amount of courage. She integrated into her surroundings as she joined a bible study group, socialized with other English-speaking residents, and even took up tennis. She volunteered at, and even raised money in Brooks for, an orphanage in Bolivia. She got out there and did her own grocery shopping in an unfamiliar world. It was a challenge that she conquered.

Mom was also a career woman. She worked at Our Northland Diocese in Crookston and then for the Brooks Farm Supply for many years, putting those fastidious skills to good use as a bookkeeper. As an avid household bookkeeper, she retained all sorts of financial records. Last week when she and I talked about moving things out of her apartment I mentioned that maybe now it's time to dispose of some old bank statements. She responded with a smirk, "No, I'm taking those with me!"

Mom's life isn't about what she did, but who she was. Mom was a gentle and quiet presence for all of us. I can't say that I saw her laugh out loud very often, but I can say that she smiled A LOT. She loved to visit one-on-one with the multitude of family and friends that she was fortunate to have. She was an asker of questions, not a teller of stories.

Mom had grace and dignity and she was the backbone of our family. During difficult times she soldiered on with a calming influence. During joyous times she celebrated life. She was sweet and kind and truly cared about many people. We were lucky to have her as a mom. We were lucky to have her as an inspiration.

Rest in Peace, Mom.