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GLADYS LOUISE SARENS
Date of Passing: Aug 09, 2020
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GLADYS LOUISE SARENS
1932 - 2020
It already feels like she's been away too long - missing her are her children, Barry (and Chris), Valerie, Jamie (and Cathi), Steve (and Hilda) and chosen daughter Heather (and Randy). Her past adventures were mostly about finding the perfect souvenir for grandsons, Jase, Jesse (and Samantha), Jarrod (and Taylor), Michael, Jordan, and granddaughters, Cailah, Courtney, Chaundra, - although she would tell you she went for the culture and sightseeing! As years of travelling whisked by and her family grew, she then expanded her shopping adventures to include great-grandchildren - her precious Cali, Abi, Pearce, and Jackson. Alaya and baby Benjamin, sadly will just be recipients of GG's shopping hand-me-downs.
Extended family were extremely important to Gladys as was evidenced by the number of people seated at the dining room table on any holiday occasion. Newcomers/friends were always welcome. The Sarenchuk branch of the family, from Shirley in Victoria, to Aunty Lucy and family in Saskatchewan, to Barb and her crew in Winnipeg, were always important in Gladys' life. She loved staying in touch with the Kenneys, Dorothy's children and great-grandchildren. And she created wonderful memories with the Stephens/Clark lineage, including having the opportunity to travel several times with different cousins. Sister Aleta and husband John, spurred on by their cheerleading Gladys, have set their sights on relocating to Winnipeg from Toronto, and we look forward to their arrival.
Gladys was very proud of her agricultural heritage and her life growing up near Makinak, on 'the farm'. She never missed an opportunity to attend weddings, birthdays, funerals, showers, whatever type of celebration was happening in her childhood community, visiting with family (the Recknells) and friends.
Gladys had a passion for travel and was always up for an adventure. She was quite proud to be able to say she had visited every continent on the planet! Most of the grandkids were honoured to have taken a trip with her somewhere. Gladys was often joined by Valerie and they enjoyed some major long distance trips together, Africa being a highlight. Friends were often roped into an adventure too and she was always scouting around to find someone to join her. If no one was available she went anyway, creating lasting friendships as she trekked around the world.
'Work' was not work for Gladys and she continued to go into Sunshade until she entered the hospital two months ago. Her vacations were planned around the busy season, and in spite of being told she could relax and take some time off to tend her beloved garden, she didn't allocate a day for that until recent years. She loved going to work everyday, engaging with staff and customers, referring to them as her 'Sunshade family'.
Mom loved life and was not ready to buy into the diagnosis given to her almost three years ago. With determination she just carried on as usual, bringing kindness and generosity to everything and everyone. She did things her way, on her timeline, and we are thankful for her courage and spirit that brought us these extra years.
Our family is very grateful for all the love and support given to Mom over the years. Many thanks go to Heather, Barb, Eleanor, and Hilda for keeping her treasured garden so beautiful while she was in hospital. Covid rules did not allow friends and family to visit but Mom knew of all the phone calls, text messages, and love that flowed her way from family and friends. Thanks also to the Palliative Care Ward, St. Boniface Hospital, nurses and support staff, who did their best to keep Mom comfortable.
Due to Covid restrictions, a funeral is not being held. A small family gathering will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I met Gladys 44 years ago when I married her brother-in-law Terry. I was a new nervous entry into the family, and Gladys knew exactly how to welcome me and make me feel right at home on River Road on my first Christmas there. Her authenticity, laughter, wisdom and sense of fun were so compelling for everyone in her wide realm, and never changed over time or circumstance. I feel privileged to have spent these years being part of her world and enjoying our deep friendship. Safe travels, dear Gladys ... Love always, Shirley. - Posted by: Shirley Sarens (Sister in law) on: Aug 19, 2020
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When I came to live on NYE Ave. with my new husband and daughters We soon connected and became friends who watch each others houses & my children. The night my youngest decided to leave home. More worried & more concerned was Gladys. Who ran down the street and got in her car & searched. Gladys was a inspiration to us all .To work hard bring results to enjoy nature brings the spirit of life nearer. Your age is for your birth certificate. Be kind to all even when they do not deserve it . Pay them back when they are not expecting. Her Grandchildren were so lucky to have a gran so young at heart . Iam living that moto. Gladys was there to support my sad times and when I left NYE we kept friends with my new husband who she admired. We went to many special concerts together. That's why I want to be like Gladys when I grow up and who knows when that would be. Gladys is still on her journey in another life to raise hell. To family remember and pass on the story of that wonderful strong women Gladys Amen - Posted by: GLORIA HARLOW-BIBBY (FRIEND & NEIGHBOUR) on: Aug 18, 2020
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She was such a fun lady. So sorry for your loss! Pete and Dawna Kroeker - Posted by: Pete and Dawna Kroeker (friends) on: Aug 18, 2020
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So very sorry for the loss of your Mom, Gladys was a very special woman from the time I was a teenager. We last saw her 6 yrs ago at a Zumab class and my sister and I went to her house for a quick visit after. She will be missed! My Sympathies to you all, may she rest in Paradise. - Posted by: Kim Keam (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2020
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I had the pleasure to take of care of Gladys in her last few months. It was an honour and a pleasure to be invited into her home to increase her quality of life wherever I could. Gladys and I shared the love of travel and we had many conversations about same. We agreed that every spare moment and dollar is to be plotted towards "the next trip". We exchanged many travel stories along the way. I told her that she was my spirit animal. She laughed... I am so much the richer for knowing her. - Posted by: Tamara (nurse) on: Aug 16, 2020
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Sending my thoughts and love to the entire family. - Posted by: Kimberley Hildebrand (family friend) on: Aug 16, 2020
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Condolences to all Gladys's family and friends. We will miss her dearly and hope to stay in touch with all her family. - Posted by: bob riddle (cousin) on: Aug 16, 2020
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Valerie, I am so sorry for your loss. Gladys was such a spunky, beautiful and huge-hearted lady. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to meet. Sending lots of love your way. - Posted by: Keri Zielinski (Friend of Valerie and Gladys) on: Aug 15, 2020
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I have been blessed to have known Gladys for 57 wonderful years. Throughout those years she wore many hats as our relationship changed over time: neighbour, friend, teacher, confidant, marriage counsellor, travel companion, and fellow garden lover. But while these changes occurred, many of her other qualities remained constant: Gladys was a "Natural" at making people feel important. Every time I spoke to her, I came away with higher self esteem. She was truly gifted in this area. Gladys was also one of the most generous people I've ever met, generous with both her time and her money. Anyone who has met Gladys knows how fun loving she was. When we travelled together to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji in 2002, I had to talk her out of bungee jumping! Gladys was one of kind. She ran my father's campaign when he ran for a Liberal seat in a Federal Election. She took a chance on my son and hired him, for his first job, to do computer work for her. Now, he works for Google. But he got his start with Gladys! So many in my family are indebted to her in so many ways. It was like she was part of our family. You will always be in our hearts, Gladys. We love you. - Posted by: Olivia Warrington (Close friend) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Sincere condolences and prayers to Gladys's family from the cousins in AB. We always enjoyed her visits when she came to see our parents Joe and Ethel Stephens. - Posted by: Marian Stephens Sage (cousin) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Gladys was one terrific lady. She endured are the parties Val and Barry had. She always had kinds words for all of us schoolmates. She was truly loved by all of us. Gladys had one of the best smiles to shine on a person. Condolences to the family. It is a great loss of a terrific lady. - Posted by: Deb and Kev Chucko (Friends) on: Aug 15, 2020
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We were all very saddened to hear of Gladys's passing and we send our love to all her family and friends. She was a kind and caring individual and an unstoppable force. On to bigger and better things. - Posted by: Jo Galipeau, Michelle Hess (Galipeau), Jerry Boehnke, Chris Hess (family by choice) on: Aug 15, 2020
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To all of Gladys' family, I did attempt to leave a message on the Sunshade Website but was not sure of my success. So I will try thru this vehicle. I was very fond of your mother - and pleased to call her my cousin. Would a wonderful obituary - she was very deserving of this . You must feel very proud of your mother - so generous and did things her way. May she rest in peace. A life well lived. Love Grant Clark Cousin Calgary - Posted by: Grant Clark (Cousin) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Please accept our condolences for the passing of Gladys. Gladys gave us quotation about 28 years ago for our sunroom; she was very personable and friendly, so my wife Sandra decided that we will do business with Sunshade. We are extremely happy with our sunroom and the superb service from Sunshade. I have enjoyed my conversations with Gladys over the years; she was always cheerful. - Posted by: Robin Sukhan (Customer) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Growing up, Gladys was the coolest Mother out of all our friends. She endured party after party at her house on River Road. Meeting each one of us at the door, and confiscating our car keys. To retrieve them, you had to be approved by Gladys on the way out, or you stayed the night. I was honored to be invited for many Christmas dinners, where Gladys always made me an apple pie, knowing how much I loved her apple pie. She made an apple pie for Val to bring to our house of shiva, when my Mother passed away. Gladys was a kind, thoughtful, funny lady, and she will be missed. My thoughts and love go out to the whole family and all her friends, and especially my friend Val. - Posted by: Janis Roitenberg (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Glad was a true force of nature. Her smile and laugh will be sorely missed. Her compassion, generosity, and indomitable spirit were wonders to behold. She will be missed! - Posted by: Barry Hodson (Proud to say a dear friend) on: Aug 15, 2020
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I was fortunate enough to work for Gladys for 12 years. She wasn’t just my boss but also a friend. I will never forget how well she treated me and how accommodating she was. She will be sadly missed, condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Brad Woodard (Family friend) on: Aug 15, 2020
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My sincere condolences. Gladys was an inspiration and an amazing woman. - Posted by: Darlene Dean () on: Aug 15, 2020