![]() From 1977 to the late 80s she worked at Haringey social services. She also lectured and supervised students studying at University College hospital, the Institute for Medical Social Workers and the North Western Polytechnic (now London Metropolitan University). In 1965, back in the UK, she became a senior medical social worker at University College hospital, London, attached to obstetrics, and then went to work as a social worker for Enfield council. Gloria worked her way up the medical social work grades in the 1950s and 60s, with a break in 1963, when she lived in Israel for a couple of years, taking up archaeology, living on a kibbutz and working as a medical social worker at Bet Loewenstein rehabilitation hospital. These services had been provided by charities before the NHS was founded and one outraged client demanded to know what happened to his “lady almoner”. As an assistant medical social worker she had posts at a number of hospitals around London, starting with the Prince of Wales hospital, Tottenham. She took a certificate in social science at Edinburgh University (1951), followed by an Institute of Medical Social Work professional qualification (1954). ![]() Gloria grew up in Leatherhead, Surrey, and attended Sutton high school. OAKLAND – Ruth Marie (Lawrence) Buker, 95, of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, following a lengthy battle with peripheral vascular disease.Thanks to the sponsorship of a relative in London, the family made it to Britain just before the outbreak of the second world war. Ruth was born on July 28 1926, the daughter of Mabel (Crockett) and Earl Lawrence Sr. When asked where she grew up, she would proudly say, “I was born and brought right up in Fairfield.” She was one of 12 children and she cherished her relationships with all her siblings and their families. When she was 10 years old, Ruth contracted Polio and was completely paralyzed for some time. With therapy, she eventually regained the use of her legs and her right arm, but had only limited mobility in her left arm for the remainder of her life. This never stopped her from doing anything she wanted to do, though. She adapted to make things work for her, so much that most people didn’t even know she ever had polio. Ruth attended Fairfield schools and married her late husband, Harold Buker, also of Fairfield, on September 2, 1944. Although they were never able to have any biological children of their own, she would babysit many of her nieces and nephews throughout the years. She had a unique way with children and knew the art of reverse psychology before it was even a thing. She was like a mother to many, but especially to her great niece, Shannon, who she influenced and raised. From the time of her birth to the time of her death, Ruth nourished those around her with her unconditional love and music. Music was a big part of her life, both while growing up and into her married life. She sang and played guitar alongside her husband throughout their almost 65 years of marriage. That was what she missed the most when Harold passed away – their beautiful music. They wrote many songs together and played in several bands that performed locally when they lived in Connecticut and Maine.Īfter the passing of her husband in 2009, she moved from Winslow to Oakland with her niece, Shannon, and family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was proud of their every achievement. She also began to attend church regularly with her brother, Billy. The day she was baptized eight years ago was one of the happiest moments of her life. Even though she lived the words daily, she did not feel complete until she was properly baptized.
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