There was a big glow at the 18 East Shore Lane, Somerset residence of the Bean and Ball Clan during the Christmas season.

But it was not from thousands of lights that for the past six years have attracted hundreds from all over the island to see the massive prize-winning Yuletide displays for which they had become famous.

The glow was from the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Gloria Melvina Ball. She was still radiating from the 85th-birthday celebration the clan laid on for her, rather than devoting their considerable talents and energies lighting up the West End.

It was a good old-fashioned luncheon held in her back yard overlooking the sea at East Shore. A truly festive atmosphere was created with a red and white motif, according to Mrs. Leleath Bailey, the eldest of her seven children.

She said the weather was ideal with a clear sky.

"Our families were blessed and thankful to God for such a day."

There was an outpouring of tributes and memories from Gloria's closest friends who reminisced over the time that they had spent with her growing up in Somerset and forming a bond between them which remains.

Gloria's seven children are Leleath, an administrative officer at the Parliamentary Registry; Earleen DeSilva, a manager at the Bermuda Telephone Company; Edward Ball, Jr., general secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Union; Donna Minors, manager of the cafeteria at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital; Wayne Ball, an electrician; Debbie Ball, an entrepreneur; and Paulette Ball, an administrative assistant at Hiscox Ltd.

Her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces spoke of how Mrs. Ball had so meaningfully impacted their lives. She was also cited for her charitable community work, particularly as an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club of Sandys.

More Notebook: See page 18