Rockport - It is with profound gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Gloria Rosalie Nicholas, on May 10, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on November 7, 1939, in Middletown, Connecticut, Gloria was the treasured daughter of Rosalie Pianka Spencer and Jesse Spencer, who predeceased her.

Gloria met Tom when she was 15 years old while working in a bakery. Tom had stopped in by chance and knew at first sight that they were meant to be—a sentiment he shared with his mother upon returning home, telling her he had just met the woman he was going to marry. Just two years later, they were off to Bermuda to celebrate their honeymoon. During their time in Connecticut, Gloria worked as a secretary for Perk and Elmer while Tom began building his career as an artist. Upon being awarded a grant through the Greenshields Foundation, Gloria and Tom got the opportunity to travel Europe for two years, during which they split their time between Spain, England, Italy, and France.

In 1959, Tom and Gloria relocated from Connecticut to Rockport, Massachusetts, after falling in love with the area. It was there they raised their son, Tom. A devoted wife and art enthusiast, Gloria dedicated her life to supporting Tom in his career, and later her son, TM, by opening the Tom Nicholas Gallery in downtown Rockport. For an incredible 62 years, she proudly showcased the artwork of her husband and son, while welcoming collectors and visitors alike, many of whom became dear friends.

An avid gardener, Gloria was a member of the Rockport Garden Club and spent countless hours tending to her gardens, which she kept meticulously blooming throughout the season. She cherished time with her family—her son, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, and nieces, whom she regularly visited. With an appreciation for the finer things in life, she loved dining out, though she never hesitated to say that her husband's cooking had always been her favorite.

In keeping with her love of beauty and art, Gloria adored jewelry and never needed an excuse to wear one of her many treasured pieces she collected during her travels with Tom.

She cared for her home with the same devotion she gave the gallery and never missed the opportunity to display her angels at Christmastime. Whenever she got the chance to set aside her to-do list, she could be found relaxing in the sun on the patio with Tom, enjoying a glass of wine surrounded by her flowers.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Thomas Nicholas; her son, TM Nicholas, and his wife, Laurel Nicholas; her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Jacqueline Barrows, her husband Jeff Barrows, and their son Trent Barrows; Victoria Skinsacos, her husband Dimitri Skinsacos, and their two children, Scarlett and Roman Skinsacos; Alexandria Curr and her husband Derek Curr; and Catherine Nicholas. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kathy Talevi, and her nieces and nephews, Steven Talevi, his wife Noelle Talevi, and their children Ashley, Adrienne, and Jaime; Mitch Talevi, his wife Dori Talevi, and their children Natasha and Alexa; Jodylynn Talevi, Nancy DeHaan and her daughter Dahlia; and Chris Talevi and his son Christopher.

Gloria will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to thank the team at Addison Gilbert Hospital for their care in her final weeks, as well as everyone who took the time to visit and send their thoughts. She read every message and was deeply appreciative of the love and kindness shown to her.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm at the Rockport Art Association; open to all who knew and loved her. If you would like to donate flowers towards the event, you may reach out to Horizon Gardens at HorizonGardens.net

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.

For online condolences please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com