2 July 1936 – 16 May 2026
2 July 1936 – 16 May 2026
DAM, Gloria Janet
2 July 1936 – 16 May 2026
Passed away peacefully on Saturday 16th May 2026 in Browns Bay, aged 89. Loved wife of the late Moni (Priya Gopal) Dam. Devoted mother of Robin (& Seshnee), Lisa (& David), and Rebecca (& Dylan); grandmother of Sarah and Akayshia; and treasured sister of Elaine. A dearly loved extended family member, close friend and confidante to so many. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Sands Retirement Village Care Suite for the love and care they provided to Gloria over the past 6 years.
A service to celebrate Gloria's life will be held on Monday 25th May 2026 at 2:30pm at Dil's Funeral Services, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany. A live stream of the service will be available at https://share.funeral.stream/ZuPJE Tributes to Gloria may also be made here.
Gloria was a special woman who brought laughter, love and light wherever she went, so please feel free to dress in bright and happy colours. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to bring a single-stem flower to place on her casket.
Forever in our hearts, but never forgotten.

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services
Aunty Gloria held a very special place in my heart. Although I have spent much of the last 20 years living overseas, she remained someone I thought of often and loved dearly. To her children, she was Mum. To Akayshia, she was Didima. To many she was Gloria or Glor. For those of us who grew up around her, she was Aunty Gloria, or as I affectionately called her in later years, Aunty G. To me, she was much more than an aunty. She was like a mother figure. She offered guidance, kindness and unwavering support throughout my life and was one of the warmest and most generous people I have ever known. My family lived next door to the Dam family, and from a young age I spent countless hours at their home. Rebecca and I were inseparable, and Aunty Gloria’s house was always full of life, laughter, children, animals and endless activity. It was a home where everyone felt welcome. One of the things I remember most was the way she opened her heart and home to Cambodian refugee families who settled here in the 1980s. Her kindness extended far beyond her own family. She genuinely cared about people and was always willing to help those around her. Looking back, I realise how many lives were touched by her generosity, compassion and quiet acts of service. Some of my fondest memories are of country music playing through the house, especially Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, while Aunty Gloria sang along from the kitchen. Those simple moments capture who she was: warm, joyful and completely devoted to creating a loving home for everyone around her. While I am heartbroken that she is no longer with us, I take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and the countless people whose lives she enriched. On behalf of my parents, Ray and Rose, and my siblings, Lesley and Andrew, thank you, Aunty G, for the love, guidance and memories you gave us. I am so greatful to have known you. You will forever be in my heart Love always, Nats x
Dear auntie Gloria There are many people who come into our lives and leave footprints on our heats forever. You are one of those people for me. When I arrived here as a young refugee, I carried fear, uncertainty that no child should ever have to carry. Everything around me felt unfamiliar and there were moments when I felt lost, not knowing where I truely belonged. But then there were you and uncle Moni. You opened your heart, your home and your love to me without hesitation. You made me feel, seen, safe and worthy of love at a time in my life when I needed it most. Through your kindness and compassion, you gave me a sense of family, belonging and hope. Thank you for every hug that made me feel protected, every gentle word that calmed my fears and every piece of wisdom you shared with me throughout my life. I can still hear the softness in your voice and feel the warmth of your love whenever I think of you. You are a guiding light in my life - when I was scared, you gave me courage. When I felt broken, you reminded me to stay strong. When I doubted myself, you believed in me. Uncle Moni and you surrounded me with unconditional love. Because of both of you, I learned what love, compassion, strength and family look like. The impact you have had on my life will stay with me forever. The loved and care you gave me helped shape the person I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. No matter where life takes me, I will carry your lessons, your loved and the beautiful memories we shared for the rest of my life. Thank you for being my comfort, my support and such a precious part of my life journey. You will always be remain my heart. With all my love, gratitude and appreciation Dinh
Heartfelt condolences to Robin, Lisa, Bex and family. Over 35 years Gloria magically popped into my life like a passing angel and then disappeared 'til next time. I keenly feel your loss and very much miss her presence. Such a lovely lady will have her own Angels carry her now: surrounded by love always.
Dear Mum Gloria, I´m not sure I ever truly told you how much I appreciated what a wonderful Mum you were to Rob and me. You completely opened your home to me and helped me so much through a very difficult time in my life, especially during the most important years of my schooling. I spent many days and nights at your place, where you fed me when I was hungry, showed support even when I was being a pain, always asked how we were doing and whether we needed anything, and never complained about the hours of noise around your footy or pool table. Rob and I got into so much trouble in your Morris 1100, but you gave us so much love and freedom when we needed it most. You were truly a wonderful person. The world needs more people like you, and they are very hard to find nowadays. You also taught me so much about how to live in a cross-cultural world and to see people for who they really are. That is something I have carried with me throughout my life. I will miss you. Love, Deano Hugs and kisses
Dear Aunty Gloria, Your kindness and love were always present and in abundance. You were there for us when we needed advice and support. I will treasure the memories that I have of you. Lots of love, Hesay
I have really hesitated to put a tribute on here, purely because I really don't think words could ever describe the love I have for my Aunty Gloria. All I know is that she was an angel that walked this earth, she made everyone in her orbit feel so special, so loved and so seen. I wish I was there today to say goodbye my darling Aunty Gloria, but I know we will meet again. x
We are very grateful for the friendship Gloria showed to our mother Shonagh Byrne while they were both residents in The Sands. She was a constant companion with good humour and quiet steady calm even when Mum was in her worst confusion or distress. Gloria always opened her door and literally invited her in, even if it was some terrible inappropriate time of night. Gloria also advocated for Shonagh when she was unable to express herself and helped smooth some of the processes and interactions in the Sands. We appreciated Gloria's friendship ourselves as a wider family and our visits were never complete without stopping at her room on the way past. She was a strong support during our mother's declining health and particularly kind and generous with her presence over the last few weeks of Shonagh's life. We will always link her with our family memories of the rest home period of Mum's life. With much sadness to hear of her passing we send our love to your wider family. She always talked of you all and enjoyed so much her extended family. Love Sue and Martin Oxley , Jono and Siobhan, Ben ,Sam and Lily oxley and Indy Dog.
Hi Nanna, I just wanted to share some of my favourite memories with you that I hold dear to my heart. When I was younger and it was my birthday, you would always send me a big box with birthday gifts. All kind of presents, small bits and pieces, books, clothes, everything. You did this for a long time. Even when I got older and I wouldn't fit in the clothes that you sent me anymore 😉 But I always felt loved an thought of, even though you were on the other side of the world. Also you would never leave my little brother Sem out. You always sent something for him as well. He is turning 25 in July and reminded me the other day that you would always send something for him as well and how much he appreciated that. I remember when we went out to dinner with all of us when I was in NZ, I think we went to Denny's? It was Bex, Lisa, Dave, you, and opa and oma and I. It was such a lovely night. I still have the photos. I was 14 years old. Then in 2017 we met again in London. I think I was 21 or 22. I remember going to Camden with you, Elaine, Sam and Bex. We ate icecream which is my favourite. I love all snacks, cookies in particular. I might have inherited that from you. I have never had the ginger cookies that you loved so much. I'll have to try those sometime and let you know. We have not seen each other physically since then. But I'm so happy that we spoke on videocall. Dad arranged this for us. It was a long chat, it must have been around two hours, and we were both nervous. We were nervous because we cared so much. But it was a lovely chat. I gave you a private, extended house tour that no one's had, just you. And you were so happy to see my house. Also you met Nico, my husband. He told me today that he was so happy to meet you. And dad and Seshnee told me that you were so happy to meet him as well. Nanna, I wished we would have had more time to share old memories and make new ones. Love from Sarah
A very dear friend whom I met on 13 June 1967 we were on the Southern Cross preparing to leave for a new life in New Zealand and I was standing next to her as we waved our families goodbye and we have been friends ever since. Thankyou for your love and friendship Gloria - you are very loved and will be sorely missed by many people.Lots of love Maureen and family xxx
My beautiful friend will no longer be on the other end of the phone when I call, nor will she be in her apartment when I visit - oh, how Gloria will be missed. Our years of friendship with memories filled with laughter, love, food and so many special times will be tucked away in my heart forever. Our years in the kitchen at hospice were so special and will never be forgotten, along with the friendships forged with the other volunteers. RIP my darling friend, love you forever.
My dearest auntie Gloria was a truly loving and kind person. I'll always remember her warmth, her smile and the way she made everyone happy around her .It's very painful to say good bye.She will be deeply missed .I'll cherish the wonderful memories of auntie who made our family feel connected and loved. You will always remain in our hearts. .Rest in peace Auntie.
Aunty Gloria was a wonderful and cheerful person. We enjoyed a lot when she came to india ( kolkata ) she was my f.book friend also We used to talk to our grand daughters and various things . We r all love you aunty . Never forget u .
A wonderfull always cheerful person SHE was! None other than GLORIA JANET ....always full of life. Inspite of facing turbulent times..SMILES never ever faded away from face. SHE won not only PrioGopal my uncle heart but many hearts 🥰 from who ever came in contact or touch with this G8 Lady. Always informal, casual extreme ly warm . SHE shall remain in our 💕 with warmth...we adore U dear aunt
Auntie Gloria, I have loved the time we spent together going through my university paper learning weird words like firewall, writing a letter to the police challenging your speeding ticket, listening to Jim Reeves and your country music loudly when no one else was home, having a cup of tea in the afternoon with your secret stash of assorted chocolate biscuits, looking through your picture book of Cornwall in England and listening to your childhood stories, and of course cheering our hearts out for the All Blacks boys in front of the telly. Thank you for the warm hug and a loving smile when I got home crying after the longest ever walk home from the mall in the rain, barefoot, while crying, on my first day of work there. Thank you for holding my hands and cuddling me when I felt homesick and Uncle Moni was going to fly me back to Thailand in his black car. Thank you for the yummiest roast veggies and apple crumble. Thank you for letting me be myself around you while teaching me to be a good person at the same time. You will always and forever be in my heart and live on in the ways I do things in life. I hope you rest in peace now and enjoy watching us navigating through our lives from up there, until I see you again. With much love, Your Thai daughter Nuch
Dear Aunty G, We were blessed to have you in our lives. Will always remember you with fondness as you were genuinely a kind and gentle soul. Always helping others and never expecting anything in return. You were there for me when Dad was sick and in hospital. I so appreciated you coming in and sitting with us. You helped to ease my pain and were a comfort to Arush and I. Rest in peace Aunty G -heaven has gained another angel. Until we meet again, Love Virush ❤️🙏
Dear Nana Gloria, I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me and how grateful I am for all the memories we’ve shared. Some of my happiest memories include coming over to your house to spend time with you, playing Rummikub, and learning many crafts from you (making cards). You have given me so much love, kindness, and comfort throughout my life. I hope you know how deeply appreciated and loved you are! Thank you for always being there, for the laughs, the stories, and the small moments that made growing up so special! No matter what happens, you will always hold such an important place in my heart. I wish I could see you right now. But know that I love you so much, and I’m so thankful for every moment I have been lucky enough to have with you. Love from, Arushni❤️
I was lucky and privileged to have met Gloria through her two lovely daughters Lisa and Rebecca. As I had worked with them at Glenfield Library and later with Lisa in Takapuna Library. There was one memory I had when I visited Gloria at her house in Glenfield and we chatted about the photos on her wall, her lovely daughters, son and cats amongst other things. I think of her as she was a lovely, generous, kind, happy, full of life, a creative and talented woman. Another memory was when their family home was going to be sold and her family invited friends and family for a farewell. I had the chance to meet her wonderful son Robin and daughter in-law Shesnee for the first time and talked to them too. Gloria, you have raised a wonderful, loving and happy family. You are a lovely Mother to all of us that have met you. In November 2024, Elaine, her Mum and I visited Gloria at the rest home, I saw the love when she saw us was very happy and emotional. We stayed for a few hours to talk to her. I will cherish these precious memories forever. Rest in peace dear Gloria. Judith xxx
Despite distance from the UK, we remember with fondness Gloria’s kindness and care through our interactions over the years. She was always bright with a positive attitude. We will miss her.
We, our family of Ho Wong's family were so lucky to meet someone like an angel! She has a amiable smile with the heart of an angel. We would like to thank this selfless devotion to us ~ auntie Gloria! She was an important person to our family. She helped us a lot. Sometimes words cannot explain the friendship between us. More or less is a bit like a family. I remember the time i use to stay at your house after school and having dinner while my parents are working. And me and Bex and other kids will play together. And remembering you always tell me off to speak to you in English. And when my mum is trying so hard trying to speak to you in English. You will always understand her. And you will always be there for us at our hard times and good times. Although I cannot say goodbye to you personally now. Luckily I met up with you the last time [Nov 2024] I was home. We will miss you forever!
Thank you for being my kiwi mum. Thank you for looked after me during my teenage years support me every way that you can up until I married, had a son and moving back to New Zealand. I am so honoured to be part of your life and family. I will always pray for you and uncle Moni until my very last day on earth. Love you very much...your cheeky Thai daughter..Nong
Thank you for being my kiwi mum. Thank you for looked after me during my teenage years support me every way that you can up until I married, had a son and moving back to New Zealand. I am so honoured to be part of your life and family. I will always pray for you and uncle Moni until my very last day on earth. Love you very much...your cheeky Thai daughter..Nong
Thank you for being my kiwi mum. Thank you for looked after me during my teenage years support me every way that you can up until I married, had a son and moving back to New Zealand. I am so honoured to be part of your life and family. I will always pray for you and uncle Moni until my very last day on earth. Love you very much...your cheeky Thai daughter..Nong
Thank you for being my kiwi mum. Thank you for looked after me during my teenage years support me every way that you can up until I married, had a son and moving back to New Zealand. I am so honoured to be part of your life and family. I will always pray for you and uncle Moni until my very last day on earth. Love you very much...your cheeky Thai daughter..Nong
Thank you for being my kiwi mum. Thank you for looked after me during my teenage years support me every way that you can up until I married, had a son and moving back to New Zealand. I am so honoured to be part of your life and family. I will always pray for you and uncle Moni until my very last day on earth. Love you very much...your cheeky Thai daughter..Nong

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services

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