Gloria Jean Trahan

Gloria Jean Phillips Trahan, 62, of Elmo, MT, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and friend passed on, surrounded by her loving family and friends in her home Monday March 15th. Gloria was born August 30th 1947 to James Douglas Phillips Sr. and Mary Gravelle Phillips in Flagstone BC. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Grasmere BC and later moved to the States where she met and married Edward Couture and had two beautiful children, a daughter Crystal, and son Darrin. She continued to raise her children in the states after her first marriage came to an end. There she later met the 'Love of her life' and 'Best Friend' Arthur R. Trahan Sr. and had another beautiful daughter Michelle. Work and education took Gloria, Art and family throughout Wyoming, Washington and Montana where they finally settled in Elmo and have lived happily since 1982. Gloria was a quick witted, passionate and quickly made life long friendships every where she went. She enjoyed learning and sharing her knowledge and found her calling, working for The People's Center as a Curatorial Technician. Together with other staff and with her gift for getting people to work together, built a museum with many exhibits and implemented many gatherings that helped educate not only her people, but anyone that took to time to learn about the Kootenai, Salish and Pend D Oreilles peoples. She enjoyed doing things like making baskets, tule tipi's, sewing, baking, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens with her husband by her side. Gloria was very involved in sustaining the Kootenai Language and culture. Her words of encouragement were, 'learn who your family is, it gives you strength.' She was proud to be a full blooded Kootenai and was always encouraging the kids in her community to learn about their ancestors and their culture. She was 'grandmom' to all the kids in her neighborhood on the hill, and will be greatly missed by all. Gloria is survived by her husband Art Trahan Sr: daughters, Crystal Couture Houle (Jesse) of Hiles, WI. Michelle Trahan and fianc��sh Joe Usher of Elmo: stepsons, Les Trahan (Jennifer) of Ronan, MT. Art Trahan Jr. and Daniel Trahan of St. Ignatius, and Luke Trahan of Pablo, MT: stepdaughters, Nicole Trahan Peasely (Mark) of Arlee, MT. Chelsea Hewankorn of Evaro, MT: sisters, Sadie Phillips Saloway of Elmo, Angela Gorrie Paradis (Paul) of Grasmere BC. Susie Gorrie/Searls of Hundred Mile House, BC: brother, Victor Phillips (June) of Big Sandy, MT: grandchildren, Jesse Houle IV of Fond Du Lac, WI. Tonya Houle of Crandon, WI, Stephanie Cleereman of Newald, WI, Melanie Houle of Crandon WI, Danny Houle from Hiles, WI, Josie Ray Usher of Elmo, MT: great-grandchildren, Carsyn Mayer & Reece Mayer of Crandon, WI, Cassidy Sepneski of Green Bay, WI, Sydney Houle of Fond Du Lac, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents James Douglas Phillips Sr. and Mary Gravelle. Her only son Darrin Couture. Her older sister Sarah 'Sally' Pierre. Her older brother James Douglas Phillips Jr 'Sonny'. Gloria's only regret is not being here to spoil all of her grand and great grandkids. But if there is one thing that we will always remember Gloria for, was her boog-a-loo dancing in her flashy shirts. Gloria will be brought to her home on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, where family will receive visitors. Gloria will be taken to the Elmo Community Center on the morning of Thursday March 18, 2010. Rosary Services will be at 8 p.m. and she will remain there until Funeral Services on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at the Dayton Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Gloria's family.
Read Gloria Trahan's Obituary and Guestbook.