Gloria Harrison

Gloria Harrison, 87, passed away on June 5, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

Gloria Harrison was born on August 9, 1935 in Northborough, Massachusetts, to James Fahey and Eva Laurence Fahey.

Gloria spent her early years in Massachusetts surrounded by family. She lived in a large home occupied by several relatives. Her great-grandmother was her childhood friend. They would play gin rummy every night or some other games. Most of Gloria’s pleasant childhood memories were tied to her cousins and other family members. They would vacation every year traveling to Hampton Beach and even St. Anne de Beaupre in Canada.

Gloria graduated from St. Anne’s Academy in Marlboro, Massachusetts then went on to college for a couple of years. She completed her college career in Austin and Houston. She had an entrepreneurial spirit which was passed down from generations. Her grandparents and parents owned a grocery store and gift store, respectively. She owned and operated Cooper Travel and sold it just before the internet boom made travel agencies obsolete.

After boarding school and living with family, Gloria especially appreciated going off to college and doing whatever she wanted to do. Managing her own money and living life on her own terms.

Gloria reunited with her high school sweetheart, Paul DesRochers, who left the seminary and they soon married. Around that time, Paul joined the Army to fulfill his military obligation and they packed up the old Chevy and headed to El Paso, Texas. Gloria would spend the rest of her life moving from Austin to Houston and back before she settled in Arlington.

Of this union Paul and Gloria produced three children. Mark Emery DesRochers was born first, followed by daughter Lauren Marie DesRochers, and finally David Micheal DesRochers all in El Paso. She was passionate about reading books, art and nutrition.

After the marriage ended, Gloria met a man named Penny Naquin who “taught her what unconditional love was.” He passed away shortly after their marriage. Gloria then met Glen Harrison and they had so much in common. They spent their remaining time together traveling. Gloria embarked on new adventures purchasing three townhomes and renovating them for rental properties.

Gloria was best known for her love of family, adventure, traveling, helping others through her travel agency to realize their dreams and aspirations. She was a doting mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Gloria would dress up to meet friends for a party or dress down to renovate a townhouse. Her love resided in her family and her presence will be missed most by them.

Gloria is survived by:
Son: Mark DesRochers and his wife Joanie, their children: Jill Spurgeon and husband Allen, and Tim.
Son: David DesRochers and his children Arina and Anton.
Grandchildren: Chad Johnson, Tessa De La Rosa, and husband Jason
Great-Grandchildren: Bria and Kai.

Gloria is preceded in death by Daughter Lauren Anderson, husbands Penny Naquin and Glen Harrison.

The Funeral Mass for Gloria Harrison will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 9 AM at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 2100 N. Davis Dr. Arlington, Texas 76012.

Memorial donations can be made in Gloria’s name to the Alzheimer Association.