GLADYS MAY BARYLUK (SNYDER)

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GLADYS MAY BARYLUK (SNYDER) At the age 91, Gladys died peacefully in her sleep on June 5, 2013 at the Concordia Hospital, after spending the day with her family by her side. Predeceased by our dad, Michael (Mitch) Baryluk, her parents Irvin and Veda Snyder, and her sister Agnes Blokland. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Jeanette, Edie and son-in-law Mack, and faithful four-legged friend Ginger. Grandchildren Chrissy Brianne Matthew and Jennifer. Great-granddaughter Jordyn. Niece Nancy and her son Gabriel, nephew Jim, his wife Kirsten and daughter Kara. 'Sister' Evelyn and many other spiritual brothers and sisters from her congregation, and countless extended family and friends. Mom was born on September 30, 1921 in a stone house on the family farm in Manitou, Manitoba. Growing up and working on the farm gave her the foundation for her strong work ethic. After many years working with her Dad on the farm, she moved to Winnipeg where she worked at Merchants Consolidated before meeting our Dad and starting their family. She was blessed with two daughters, Jeanette and Edie, and began her life of caring for others. Mom, who was later dubbed as Nanny by her grandchildren, was a kind, compassionate and hard working woman, who always put others first, and always had a smile on her face. Her faith and service to others has always been her foundation. From her young people's group in Manitou, her service at the Stella Mission, to her commitment to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Mom's faith has been her strength. Her family has always been important to her and she spent many years caring for all of us; her children, her grandchildren, our grandmothers and even many extended family members. Mom also spent time volunteering at King Edward School and Sargent Pool adapted fitness program for adults. An independent woman, she lived on her own until this year. Mom taught us many things in life, and we are so fortunate she was with us for so long. Her strength of character and sense of humour will be remembered by all. The long list of visitors in the hospital over the past two months is proof of the many people who loved her. Special thanks to Evelyn for your many years of unwavering friendship, love and support to Mom and to us, especially over the past few months. Thanks to Cathie for being there for "Miss Gladys". Your visits were highlights for her and always brought a smile to her face. Thanks to the nurses, health care assistants and team at the Concordia Hospital N3E for your kind and compassionate care of our Mom. Also thanks to therapy dog Bonnie and the hospital volunteers who provided the music programs. These were special moments of comfort for Mom during her stay at the hospital. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB. If friends would like to honour her memory, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or the St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. "You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on." Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2013