Tuesday, October 27, 2026Acton, Massachusetts

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Obituaries

Gloria R. (Christensen) Harpell, 98

Gloria R. (Christensen) Harpell, 98, beloved wife of the late George F. Harpell, died peacefully at her Acton home on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

She graduated from high school in 1942 in Toms River, New Jersey. Subsequently, she worked for Camp Evans Radar Laboratory during the war effort and for the Readers Digest Association, until George returned from the South Pacific during his military service. After marrying, they settled in Acton in 1946.

Gloria was a member of the United Women’s Club of Acton and devoted 35 years volunteering for the Red Cross Bloodmobile. She also worked for the Acton public schools cafeteria for a short time, and fully retired following 20 years at Reflections Consignment in Acton.

She was the mother of George Harpell, Jr. and his wife Diane of Acton and Gail Tombeno and her husband Richard of Clinton. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Rachel Tombeno of Arlington and Richard Tombeno and his partner Mary Forbuss of Acton, one great granddaughter, Olivia Tombeno along with many nieces and nephews. Gloria was the daughter of the late Kristen and Violet (Powis) Christensen, and sister to the late Elsie, Edna, and Violet.

Family members will gather privately for funeral services at Dee Funeral Home, followed by burial at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Acton.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton.  To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Gloria’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.  

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