Obituary of Dr. Gloria (Kainu) McFadden

     Gloria, the only child of Matt Kainu and Irene (Hendrickson) Kainu was born and raised in Longview, Washington. Raised by her mother and loving aunts and uncles, Gloria grew close to her cousins and maintained a strong relationship with them her entire life. Vic Holms served as her step father but did not adopt her.

     In high school she was very active. She was voted outstanding senior girl wher she served as the student school treasurer, president of the girls’ letterman club, editor of the school paper and a member of the tennis team. RA Long High was a new school and had a 3-hole golf course. That’s where she learned to play golf and follow that passion into her 80’s. she loved to tell you how many “hole-in-one’s” she hade.

     Gloria entered Willamette University majoring in Sociology and Economics. There ishe joined the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and enjoyed the companionship of her “sisters”. After graduation, her first professional job was Youth Director at the Salem YWCA. After to years she went back to school at Oregon College of Education for a teaching certificate. She spent the next 10 years teaching at Morningside Elementary and the next 25 as a faculty member at what has become Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Her professional contributions included guiding the Elementary Education Department to recognition as the best in the nation in 1976.She held many state and national board positions as a leader in Teacher preparation.

     In the Salem community, Gloria was on the Board of Directors for the Salem Library, volunteered for Travel Salem, Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. She was a member at Ilahe Country Club for seven years and a member at Salem Golf Club for over 50 years.

     Always a busy person, in retirement Gloria continued to stay active by playing golf, bridge, and traveling. She would be on the way home from one trip while planning the next.

     She was married to Jim McFadden from 1958 to 1984. They chose to have no children.

     Gloria is survived by her cousins, Jo Martin, Bonnie Brainard, Martin Hendrickson, Joyce Mason, Bob Courser and their families. As a Finnish family, they maintain close contact and gathered regularly for reunions, weddings, and funerals. Their heritage was a source of pride to them all.

      Others who will miss Gloria being in their lives include her many golfing buddies, professional colleagues and close personal friends, Carol Brownlow, Jo Stettler, Vee Haberer, Jean Ferguson, Joan Arens and Cheryl Brown.

     Gloria’s Ashes will be interred in Longview cemetery in the plot next to her mother.

     A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date.