With quiet dignity and gentle grace that were hallmarks of her life, our beloved Mother, mentor and friend slipped softly away at age 98 on Saturday, November 1st, 2014.
She was predeceased by her husband David (April 24, 2001), her beloved son Terry (October 18, 2010), her cherished daughter-in-law Marlien (June 26, 2001), and her much loved son-in-law Rob White (December 30, 2008).
Left to hold her always in our hearts are her eldest daughter Gail (Ross Van Winckel), her son Pat (Sandra) and her youngest daughter Linda White. Also seven grandchildren Douglas (Tammy), Colin and Garrett (Leslee), McLean, Christopher (Naunjan), and Andrew (Jenny) Jefferies, Tanya (Dylan Armour), and Aaron (Katherine) Slingsby.
Missing her too, are her great-grandchildren. Claire, Samantha, Lochlan, Cheyenne and Ariah (Douglas). Tyler and Hayden (Colin), Cole, Samantha, Valarie and Melanie (Garrett). Terrah (Christopher). Randy and Julia (Andrew). Harmony and Cassidy (Aaron). Gabriel (Tanya).
Mom spent much of her life on Salt Spring, arriving first in 1948 and returning to stay in 1959. Her passion for helping and serving others soon emerged, working tirelessly for the Fulford Hall, a valued and long standing member of the South Salt Spring Women’s Institute, and was a charter member of the O.A.P. in Fulford. She helped to establish and stock the pie stall at the first Fulford Days celebration. Over the years she baked hundreds of pies for the Women’s Institute for the pie stall at the fall fair. Gladys was also a member of Eastern Star (Trincomali Chapter) and rose to the position of Worthy Matron. She was always ready to lend a hand, do her part and help wherever she could. Whatever challenges life handed her, she met with courage, grace and a smile.
“Grace was always in her eye,?in every gesture, dignity and love.” -from Paradise Lost, John Milton
If you would like to honour Gladys there will be a Celebration of Life on November 29th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Fulford Hall.
Please consider a donation to:?The BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Cancer Foundation, The BC Lung Association or the South Salt Spring Women’s Institute.
To learn more about Gladys and her life, please visit www.forevermissed.ca