AUBURN — Gloria Barley, 93, beloved mother, died Friday, March 10, at Clover Nursing Home in Auburn. She had been a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, but had resided in Maine for almost six years. Gloria was a “tough cookie,” but had declined due to the long-term effects of dementia.

She was born Sept. 2, 1923, the only child of Wilfred and Alma Secard, and grew up in Somerville, Mass. She attended Burdett College in Boston, and became a bookkeeper. There she met her first husband, Ralph Q. Rudd. They married in 1946 and had two daughters, Donna and Jacqueline. Ralph died unexpectedly in 1956.

In 1959, Gloria married her second husband, John Barley. They had no children, but together provided a loving and comfortable home for the young family. Gloria was a wonderful homemaker, cook and baker. She loved decorating her “beautiful old house” and making it warm and inviting to everyone who visited.

Through the years, Gloria enjoyed home sewing (including Halloween costumes, and dance recital outfits), rug braiding, and ceramics. She loved searching for antiques and craft fairs to find that special something to add to her collections. Her large yard was filled with shrubs, perennials, summer annuals and a small vegetable garden, all tended by her and John. She loved the ocean, and it was never too hot or cold for a walk on the beach.

Gloria was a warm and affectionate woman who lived a simple life.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Rudd) Kassa and husband, Mark Chasse, of Auburn; the Vatcher cousins; sister-in-law, Mary Driscoll of Burlington, Mass.; and longtime family friends, the Gradys, the Auterios and the Mahoneys.

Gloria was predeceased by her daughter, Jacqueline, in 1980, and husband, John, in 2005.

Special thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at Clover Nursing Home for their compassion, kindness and patience to Gloria. Thank you also to Androscoggin Hospice, especially Margaret, Mona and Michelle for their dedication and concern for Gloria’s comfort.

To send a memorial condolence www.barilefuneral.com or www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome.