FALMOUTH – Gloria T. Dinsmore, 86, of South Portland passed away in Falmouth, Maine after a short illness on October 19, 2024.

She was born in Lewiston, Maine on November 6, 1937, the daughter of Earl A. and Ida (Pettengill) (Beckey) Thomas and grew up on a small farm in Greene, Maine. She attended high school at Leavitt Institute in Turner Maine, graduating in 1955.  She was on the varsity women's basketball team and was an honor roll student while attending Leavitt.  Following graduation from high school, Gloria attended the University of Maine at Orono where she earned a BA in education.  It was at the university that she met the love of her life and future husband, Roger Dinsmore.  Following her graduation, she and Mr. Dinsmore were married in Greene, Maine on January 9, 1960.

After briefly residing in the Boston Mass, area, the couple returned to Maine settling in Portland before ultimately moving to South Portland in 1967.  It was there that she raised her family while working full time as an elementary school teacher in the City of Portland's school system.  She worked at a number of elementary schools in the city, starting out at McClellan School in the West End and ending her career at Reiche School after 32 years of service.  She had many fond memories of the hundreds of students that she taught and made many friends with other teachers and school employees.

Despite having a busy schedule, working full time and raising a family, she was also active in the community, working with other supporters to bring a community swimming pool to South Portland in the 1970s.  She was also a Boy Scout den mother, member of the Osewantha garden club, and member of the First Congregational Church in South Portland.  She will always be remembered for being a wonderful mother and grandmother, a loyal friend to many and an excellent teacher both inside and outside of the classroom.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 64 years Roger of South Portland, her sons David of Portland, Frank of Farmingdale and Thomas (and wife Candice Northrup) of Auburn, and her grandchildren Lindsay, Ryan, Hayden and Lauren Dinsmore. She is also survived by many friends, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Beckey, sister Merlene Greenwood and her son Robert Earl Dinsmore.

Per Gloria's wishes, a small private service with family will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth, Maine where she will be interred.