GLADYS VERENA HJORLEIFSON (BARRETT)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GLADYS VERENA HJORLEIFSON (nee BARRETT) It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of our Mother, Gladys Hjorleifson. Mom passed away quietly in her own home on Monday, April 9, 2007, at the age of 84 years. Mom is survived by her children, Connie (Robert) Geekie, Clive (Rhonda) Hjorleifson, Cori (Colin) Dorrian; grandchildren, Kris (Shauna) Geekie, Catherine (Yasuhiko) Takasugi, Erik and Lisa Hjorleifson, Colleen, Kate and Mary Dorrian; and her great-grandchild Taitt Geekie. She will be deeply missed by her sisters Joyce, Bernice; brother Cubby (Rosie); and many nieces and nephews, and their children. She was predeceased by her husband Oskar in February 1969; infant daughter Patricia; her mother Ida and father Percival; brothers-in-law, Len, Mike and Einar; sister-in-law Evelyn. Gladys was born in Star City, Saskatchewan, on October 20, 1922. She was raised in Fisher Branch, Manitoba, where she had many happy memories, and visited often. Her connection to her family and friends in Fisher Branch was always strong, and she gave that, as a gift to her own children and grandchildren. She had great stories of living on Lake Winnipeg with Dad during the commercial fishing seasons, going to high school in Winnipeg, the time of the 1950 flood, how things were in her younger years in Fisher Branch and experiences along the way. Mom and Dad were married on August 10, 1946, in Winnipeg. Widowed early in life, she still provided a solid base that we could always count on. Mom worked as a teacher as a young woman. Following Dad's death she was a teacher's aid at Robert H. Smith School. She was employed at the YWCA as a widow's counsellor and later at The Bay in the fur department. Mom was a loving and caring Mother, Grandmother and friend. She had many close and longtime friendships. You could find her at all of the activities, games, shows and celebrations for all of us. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild brought her much joy. She kept a busy schedule, and we raced to keep up. Mom made a point of calling to let people know she was thinking of them. She was a member of the choir and Altar Guild at St. Peter's Anglican Church for many years. Mom and Dad were among the first parishioners at St. Peter's nearly 50 years ago. We will miss you Mom, every day, all the time. Just know that you have given us the ability and knowledge to live good, full and caring lives. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, in lieu of flowers. Thank you to Dr. N. Hajidiacos and Dr. R. Borditsky for all the time and care they took to ensure that Mom led a full life. A service to celebrate Gladys' life will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm Street (at Grant Avenue), in Winnipeg. A family interment will follow at the Gimli Cemetery. neil bardal inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2007