GLADYS SARAH ODDLEIFSON

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GLADYS SARAH ODDLEIFSON Peacefully, Gladys Sarah Oddleifson of Petersfield, Manitoba passed away at Selkirk General Hospital on November 9, 2008 with her family by her side. Gladys was born November 7, 1928 at Matheson Island and grew up and went to school at Loon Straits. She married Bob Oddleifson on October 25, 1947 and they made their first home at Granite Quarry where they had their first child. They then moved to Loon Straits where the other three children were born. When the children reached school age the family moved to Arborg, and then later on to Selkirk. Gladys was a valued employee at the Selkirk Mental Hospital and the Betel Home in Selkirk where they lived until 1973. That year she and Bob returned to their roots at Loon Straits and made their home in a little log house they called the Sugar Shack. Growing up in a small northern fishing community within a large family, Gladys learned the value of hard work and economy. She was the world's greatest environmentalist. Everything had value and nothing was wasted. She was always a lady with consistent high standards. Despite the challenge of raising four children with Dad working out of town, her home was always immaculate and there was never a shortage of home made bread, baking and delicious meals to welcome everyone. Her gardens were like pictures, filled with beautiful flowers, raspberry bushes, and row upon row of vegetables. The cellar and freezer were always filled with the bountiful harvest. To Mom, family always came first. She devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren, and there was never a doubt in our minds how important we were, knowing her gentle love was unending. Gladys is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years Bob, daughters Sharon (Harley) Jonasson, Roberta (Ken) Pruden and Pat (Alphonse) Noschese; grandchildren Shelley (Neal) Anderson, Brad and Jennifer Jonasson, Ryan and Kevin Strang, Tamara and Noilah Oddleifson and great-grandchildren Emma, Christopher and William Anderson; sister Ruby Sveinson, brother Jack Monkman, sisters-in-law Elsie, Deanna and Joyce Monkman, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents Kate and Hughie Monkman, son Gerald, granddaughter Tamara Pruden, son-in-law Tom Strang, infant brothers Stanford and Albert, brothers Tom, Lindsay, Raymond and Eddie, sister Phyllis, brothers-in-law Siggi Sveinson and Arthur Roche, and sisters-in-law Martha and Edith Monkman. Cremation has taken place. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, with Pastor Trudy Thorarinson officiating. Honourary pallbearers are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sincere thank you to Roberta for the loving care provided to Mom and to Ken for his unwavering support. Those we hold most dear, live in our hearts forever. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2008