June 4, 1945 - October 12, 2020
Gloria passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Survived by her loving husband and best friend Ian, their 3 children: Michael (Maria from Prince George), Tamara (Brian from Mission), and Roslyn (from Mission); their eight grandchildren; Chase (Kins), Julian, and Lane; Harmony, Kaden and Andrew; Carson and Kayleigh, and one great-granddaughter Abigail.
Along with her 3 siblings; Dennis (Denise from Ladysmith), Patricia (from Richmond), and Kenneth (Laurie from Nanaimo). There are many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, and of course all of "Her Kids" that she picked up along the way (she was an advocate for troubled youth).
Gloria worked for the Mission School Board 75 for 30 years; Ten years as an E.S.L. Teacher and twenty years in Special Education. There she impacted a lot of her students and faculty members with her caring and unique style of teaching, making life-time friends with many of them.
She was also a member of our local 593 as a CUPE Union Representative. There she bonded with a unique group of people and had wonderful adventures together.
She was much more than a dear friend and family figure. She was a gifted educator, an avid traveller in search of the "true life". She had a thirst for knowledge, strong in her convictions, willing to give you the shirt off her back. She spoiled everyone in her own little way. She touched the lives of so many and will be sadly missed.
A heartfelt thank-you to the staff at the Mission Memorial Hospital and the MSA Hospital for their kindness.
A celebration of life for Gloria will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to Saints Rescue for Senior Animals, or to a charity meaningful to you.
To those whom I love & those who love me.
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with so many tears
But be thankful we have so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But how is it time I travelled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on,
And when you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,
All my love around you, soft and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."
By Anon