The much-loved, well-known and highly respected Islander, Gloria Minghella, passed away at the Mountbatten Hospice yesterday morning.
Mother of five, including the late Anthony Minghella and wife to former councillor and community leader, Eddie – who she founded Minghella Ice Cream with – Gloria was often referred to as the ‘Queen Mother of the Isle of Wight’.
Her many years of charity work earned her an MBE and her love for the Island shone through to everyone she met.
Son, Dominic Minghella, posted the following message to his Website yesterday
“Devastated to have to report the loss of my extraordinary Mum, Gloria, who died earlier today.
“It has been a day of total heartbreak – and of much counting of blessings. Her warmth, her love, her intelligence, her grace, her delicious turn of phrase…. It’s a long and wonderful list.
“You can imagine our pain. You cannot imagine our pride.”
Messages of condolence
Messages of condolence have started to appear across social media, including on Gloria’s Facebook page.
One of Gloria’s daughters, Edana Minghella, also shared some words about her mother on Twitter,
Thinking of my darling mum, the wonderful Gloria Minghella, whom we lost this morning. Already missing her so much. #mum #grief
— Edana Minghella (@edanaming) March 27, 2014
Gloria’s passing is a great loss, not just for the family, but everyone who knew her. She had always been supportive of OnTheWight, taking the time to write or call us in the past with her kind words.
The Island will miss this wonderful woman.
Update 9:14 – Added detail.
Image: © Dominic Minghella
