GLORIA DEREN (STASIUK)

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GLORIA DEREN (nee STASIUK) July 15, 1923 July 20, 2011 Peacefully, at her residence, Gloria Deren passed away on July 20, 2011 at the age of 88. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a wonderful sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be fondly remembered for her kindness and mild manner. Gloria was born to Joseph and Justine Stasiuk in Poplarfield, Manitoba. She loved to relate many great stories of growing up, and all the hard work that was done on the family farm. She left home at an early age to continue her high school education in Teulon, Manitoba. Gloria then became a school teacher in the district of Skylake where she met the love of her life, Frank Deren. A year later Gloria moved to Winnipeg where she briefly worked for the Bank of Commerce. Not long after, she moved to Arborg and married Frank, where together, they built and operated Deren's Hardware and soon thereafter started their family of two. In 1966 they also built and managed the Stardust Motel for more than forty years. Gloria truly enjoyed her working years, especially at the motel as she operated the business until the age of 82, when she finally decided to retire. Gloria was a very hard working, warm and loving person who always saw the best in everyone and enjoyed the chance to sit and chat or show you some new pictures of her children or grandchildren. She cherished her family, and was loved by all. She will be truly missed by many for her hugs and warm smile. Gloria was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1994, parents Joseph and Justine Stasiuk, sisters Nastasia Jorheim, Anna Horodecki, Marie Massey, brother Bill and two brothers in childhood. Leaving to mourn her is Gloria's cherished daughter Bonnie of Vancouver, BC and her beloved son Denny (Sandra) of Calgary, Alberta along with her treasured grandchildren Kennedy and Aja. Also, leaving to mourn her is her sister Sonia Dwornick (Tom) of Winnipeg and her brother Andrew (Victoria) of Kenora, ON and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank her dedicated caregivers from Arborg Community Health Services for their loving care and assistance to their mother. It was always a bright spot in her day to have a visit from the girls, as she looked so forward to her breakfasts and a little conversation. Our family would also like to take this opportunity to thank Robert and Darlene Deren for all the love and assistance they have provided to our mom throughout the years. No words can express our deep gratitude. After the tears, we will remember the happy times and smile. Gloria was a dedicated Jehovah's Witness, and died with the promise of life everlasting. A celebration of her life for her family and close friends will be held at the Arborg Heritage Village (just east of Arborg on Hwy 68) on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Luncheon to follow. Private interment will take place at 11:30 am at the Arborg Community Cemetery (1 mile west of Arborg on River Road). Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2011