Gloria Hine Gamble

Gloria Hine Gamble died peacefully April 24, 2018 at the Country House at age 98. Only 18 days prior, she was in fine spirits for her 98th birthday party with family and friends. Her death is a profound and deep loss for all who loved her. She was quick-witted, adventuresome, and provocative up until her final days.

Gloria was born in Westfield, New Jersey on April 12, 1920. She met her lifelong partner, Millard G. Gamble III, in junior high school, where Millard thought she was very sophisticated and they competed for best grades. Gloria was one notch ahead, graduating as class valedictorian. They continued on to Westfield High School together and started dating when Gloria was 16. She attended Wellesley College, majoring in English Composition and joining the Shakespeare Society. Gloria graduated in 1941 and like many women of that era, had no career plans but instead married that same year and spent her life raising children and supporting her husband’s career. She was a top-notch editor for Millard and her children. In addition, Gloria wrote poems for many life occasions, filled with humor and insights. After their marriage, they moved to southern California, with Millard serving as a naval officer during the war, and then in 1946 they moved back to the east coast when Millard started with the DuPont Company. This started a series of many moves, sometimes two times a year with babies in tow. In 1960, they settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where they lived for the rest of their lives.

In addition to raising four fiercely independent, happy, and successful children, Gloria was an active golfer and top-notch duplicate bridge master, several times recognized as a Wilmington Country Club Duplicate Bridge Champion. Gloria and Millard loved to travel, both together and with their children, visiting all the continents on a variety of trips, including an around the world cruise! As part of their journeys, they visited and played most of the world’s famous golf courses, winning several golf tournaments together. They also loved to socialize, hosting regular parties, and were talented dancers.

Gloria was involved in a myriad of charitable organizations helping the under-represented. She taught all four children respect and empathy for those that were less fortunate. When living at the Country House for over two decades, Gloria set up an educational scholarship fund for the employees that allowed many opportunities that they sought.

Gloria is survived by two sons Millard G. Gamble IV of St. Pete Beach, FL, and Bob, or Robert H. Gamble (Winnie) of Orcas, WA; two daughters Lynn H. Gamble (Glenn) of Santa Barbara, CA, and Joan F. Gamble (Chip) of Rutland, VT; a granddaughter, Naomi (Jack), and grandson Jeremy; a great-grandson Rufus; and a half-sister-in-law, Sonja (David). Gloria used free-range parenting techniques, allowing tremendous freedom and active learning-lessons to all four children.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 North Poplar Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or Winterthur Museum, 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19735.