Obituary of Gloria Best

The family of the late Gloria Best (nee. Rumbolt) share with heavy hearts the news of her passing on April 4, 2026, at the Labrador Health Centre, surrounded by her loving family. She was 75 years old.

Born on June 29, 1950, in Port Hope Simpson, Labrador, Gloria was a loving mother of four. As a young woman she moved to Happy Valley-Goose Bay where she met the love of her life- her husband of 40 years- Shont and they built a life together in the community of Mud Lake. Gloria loved taking care of people, an affection she showed most often in the kitchen, whether preparing meals for her family and friends or for strangers during her time working in fishing camps or the truck stop at Metchin. She cooked and baked with love.

Leaving to mourn with cherished and loving memories are her children: Triffy Rumbolt, Todd Rumbolt (Denise), Teena Coates (Barry), and Denise Russell (Dorman); and her beloved grandchildren: Miranda, Madonna (Charlie), Arlene (Mitch), Kyle, DJ (Dayna), Shane (Tara), Draper (Renata), Dillon (Jessica), and Nick (Pupun). She was also a proud great-grandmother to 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters Judy Rumbolt (Lillian) and Pam Pilgrim (Kevin); Brothers Stanford Rumbolt (Madeline) and Watson Rumbolt (Drue) as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband Cortland (Shont); son Kevin; parents Harold and Alice Rumbolt; her brothers Eric and Carl Rumbolt; Granddaughter Candice Cooper and Grandson Anthony Campbell 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff of the Labrador Health Centre for their compassionate care, especially Kyle and Kara, Toni, Elaine, Kim, Mandy, Caroline and Doctors Williams, O’Brien and Curran. There are too many others to name, all whose kindness and support brought comfort in the difficult weeks leading up to her passing. Special thanks are also extended to Dwayne Rumbolt, Tracey Pardy and Glenys Penny for their steady support during this difficult time.

Cremation has taken place and a combined service celebrating the lives of both Gloria and Shont will be held on April 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United Church of Happy Valley Goose Bay. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.