Obituary
GLORIA GERMAIN (Also known as Gloria White) Gloria passed away peacefully on December 27, 2015 at her Victoria home surrounded by family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents William and Grace Germain and her brother Ronald Germain of Victoria. Her brother Brent Germain of London, ON, would like to express his gratitude to the extended Germain/Strong family in Victoria who lovingly dedicated their time to Gloria’s personal and medical care during her brave battle with cancer. Gloria was a producer/director for CBC in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Toronto during the 1960s and 1970s when it was atypical for women to hold such positions. As part of CBC’s children’s department she produced and directed the sitcom Toby (’68-’69), The Marbles (’69-’70), Mr. Dressup (’70-’73) and Canadian segments of Sesame Street (’73-’75). As well, she produced and directed a number of after-school specials for kids such as Bodeo Bear, Kap-Sung Ferris and Gypsy George. Donations can be made to Victoria Hospice or the Victoria Humane Society.
Published in the Toronto Star on Jan. 16, 2016
Published in Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2016
Condolences
January-16-16
Condolences to Gloria’s family on her passing. She was a talented television Producer/Director. We were CBC colleagues in Edmonton and Toronto.
Ron Devion, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
January-16-16
I would like to express my condolences to the extended Germain family and particularily to Brent Germain, her brother. I would also like to thank my brother Ken and his wife Wendy who daily helped Gloria during her difficult health issues. As a close cousin, I will sincerely miss her. My wife Joanne and I enjoyed visits with her every time one or both of us were in Victoria. She was a true Pioneer for women in TV Production.
Rest In Peace Glor.
Morris and Joanne Strong
February-19-16
Dear Germain Family,
I’m so very sorry Gloria is gone. My deepest sympathy to all of you for your sadness and terrible loss. Gloria and I met as neighbours and became friends, sharing many an experience as women in television. Gloria was a true pioneer in the industry. As a young woman she became the first woman producer in Canada, the first female director in CBC, and her career went beyond from there. A politically astute dynamo, she paved the way for other women to follow. She faced the industry politics head on; a strong cog in the wheel of the challenging world of Canadian Television. She stood tall when others would have faltered; worked with limited technical equipment that others would have thought was never enough; worked in studios and stage sets that others would have despaired over. The World of Television is NOT for the FAINT OF HEART. Ruled by the men of the time, Gloria strode though those hallowed halls with a spine of steel, a brain of brilliance, and a strength of will others would envy. I consider Gloria Germain a genuine Canadian Heroine, a woman of importance, a treasure in our midst. She would blow the doors off many, even in these current times, that couldn’t even come close to the true light she was. Gloria was one of the most caring, considerate, compassionate souls that I’ve ever met. She was a gift to us all. I’m honoured to have known her and to call her my friend.
Anne Louise Carlson, Victoria, British Columbia