Gloria (McKinnon) Perret

M. Gloria McKinnon Perret,93, of Torrington and Cable Head East, PEI, Canada died May 19, 2023, while in the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington, CT. She was the widow of late Charles H. (Chuck) Perret, who died due to complications from COVID-19 in December 2020. They were married in 1959 and enjoyed 61 years of a happy marriage.

Born in Springfield, MA, Gloria was the daughter of the late George F. and Rhoda (Murphy) McKinnon of Litchfield. She was predeceased by her mother, father, her niece, Jan Locke Lincoln and many beloved pets. She is survived by her sister, Betty Locke of Litchfield and her niece, Jacalyn Mills (Earl) of St Petersburg, Florida and many good friends here and in Canada.

Gloria graduated from The Gilbert School in Winsted; received an A.A. degree from Hartford College for Women and a B.S. degree in History and Political Science from The University of St. Joseph. Both colleges are in West Hartford. She received an Elementary Teaching Certificate from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain and a M.A. degree in Education from the University of Hartford. Gloria taught school for 35 years, 29 of which were in Torrington at South School, Riverside School and North School. The other 6 years were Hartford High School, Norfolk Center and Litchfield Jr/Sr. High School. She retired in 1986. In 1973, she received The Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America Award and in 1976, she received The Torrington Probus Clubs 22nd Annual Teacher of the Year Award. Before moving to Torrington, she was Vice-Chairman of the Litchfield Democratic Town Committee. At the time, she was the youngest in the state. She was Secretary and Chairman of the Torrington Democratic Women’s’ Club. A member of the Torrington Democratic Town Committee for 29 years, she served as Vice- Chairman for 19 years. She is still an honorary member. She was Secretary/Chairman of the Torrington Zoning Board of Appeals for 28 years. She received a Longevity of Service Award from The Connecticut Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies in 1980. Gloria was listed in the 1979-1980 edition of Who’s Who in American Politics. In 1976, she received the Chairman’s Award from the Northwest Connecticut Heart Association. After her retirement, Gloria and Chuck spent four months every summer at their summer home on Prince Edward Island, Canada. In 2010, the Perret's donated 174 acres of their shore farm on the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the P.E Island Nature Trust and received the Lt. Governor’s Greenwing Award for Wetland Conservation, which was sponsored by Ducks Unlimited of Canada In 2014, they received the Hon. Angus MacLean National Area Award for outstanding contributions to national area conservation. The land is now designated the

Perret – McKinnon Natural Area. Before Chuck died they spent 58 summers at Cable Head. Gloria was the benefactress of many non-profit organizations and charities here and in Canada; wild and domestic birds and animals were special to her. She was a “People Person” who truly cared about the lives of others.

There will be a graveside service at St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery, Litchfield, CT in the family plot. Friday May 26 at 2PM.   Arrangements have been entrusted to The Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington. Memorial contributions in Gloria’s name may be made to either the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund, 49 South Street, Litchfield, Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center,Leukemia Department, 200 Kennedy Dr, Torrington, CT 06790 or any animal charity of your choice.

Condolences to the family may be sent to phalenfuneral.com

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