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GLORIA BEVERLEY SOKALSKI (STOYUCK)
Born: Jul 16, 1937
Date of Passing: Jan 19, 2021
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GLORIA BEVERLEY SOKALSKI
(nee STOYUCK)
Death is not an end but a doorway through which we all must pass to claim our inheritance of eternal and perfect
happiness with God."
-Gloria
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of our mother, Gloria Beverley Sokalski (nee Stoyuck), who peacefully passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. She is happily reunited with her husband, the late Rudy Sokalski.
She leaves behind her four children, Beverley Kochuk (Greg), Gregory, Theresa Navis (Richard) and Christopher (Jane). Baba will be joyfully remembered by her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom she loved beyond all measure. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Rudy, her parents, Walter and Julia Stoyuck and sister, Shirley.
Gloria was born on July 16, 1937 in Winnipeg and grew up in the North End where she made wonderful friendships - some lasting since kindergarten. These 'hen's club' friends were dear to her and she treasured their times together. Friends and neighbours were family to Gloria. Her generous and caring heart was felt by many. Gloria would make anyone who spent even five minutes with her feel special.
She met the love of her life, Rudy, at a cousin's wedding and married him on September 20, 1958. The young couple started their life together, putting all their money together to purchase a house in the suburbs of Transcona. They raised four children in that same home and the door was always open to friends, neighbours, and family, anyone who needed a visit, a meal, or an encouraging word. Gloria was a founding parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Church, where she faithfully attended with her family.
Gloria was a committed, dedicated and hardworking salesperson for over 30 years with the T. Eaton Company in their downtown cosmetic department. She loved her role as the first Lancome salesperson and held that position for many years, making new and trusting friends from the customers she met and the people who worked alongside her.
She loved to travel. A highlight was her trip with Rudy to Hong Kong with the Hong Kong Veterans Association and CBC in 1980; also trips with her children to Hawaii and New York and wherever her family was residing in order to keep in touch and build relationships with her children and grandchildren.
Her last years brought a move to Edmonton, where she was spoiled and treated like a queen everyday by her youngest son, Chris, his wife, Jane, and family until her very final day.
We would like to thank the loving staff at Touchmark at Wedgewood, Edmonton, AB for making our Mom's final days comfortable.
Cremation was done and Gloria's ashes will be taken to Winnipeg when we are able to celebrate her life. This date to be determined.
Please do not send flowers, but just remember Gloria with a thought, a prayer, or a kindness to someone in her honour.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2021
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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To all members of Gloria’s family: Today is July 14th, 2023, just 2 days away from Gloria’s birthday on July 16th. Since I haven’t heard from Gloria in two or three years, I decided to Google her name and was shocked to read her obituary. I am so very sad that she has passed away. I live in Kingston, Ontario and, although we lived many miles apart, I kept in touch with Gloria once my Aunt Julie Dobrocki who lived in Calgary introduced Gloria to me. Many years ago, when my husband and I took my aunt on a trip back to her roots one last time, my husband (John) and I had the pleasure of meeting Gloria when we visited her in Winnipeg. My Aunt Julie always spoke very highly of Gloria and, when we finally met her, we were delighted to see that she really was as extra special as my aunt said. We had a wonderful time with her in Winnipeg. As I recall, Gloria showed us around the city and we went to Folklorama together. After the visit, Gloria and I stayed in touch and we didn’t miss sending birthday and Christmas greetings and chatting on the phone. She had so many wonderful things to say about all of her children and grandchildren and was very appreciative of all of the attention everyone in her family gave her. I have read the wonderful tributes on this website and agree with all that has been said about Gloria. She was a very special, classy lady who was always kind and thoughtful. I feel fortunate to have met her and will never forget her! I hope that, more than two years after her passing, that her family is coping as well as can be expected after losing someone so dear and that everyone is left with wonderful memories of a remarkable mother, grandmother and friend. Gayleen Garvin - Posted by: Gayleen Garvin (cousin) on: Jul 14, 2023
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Our deepest condolences in the loss of your lovely Mom. Gloria truly was beautiful inside and out. We shall all miss her. - Posted by: The Preece Family (Longtime neighbours) on: Feb 25, 2021
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Theresa, and brothers: So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I remember with fondness your mom and dad, even though we moved from 4 Colverdale when I was only 8 years old. Your dad was always so much fun to be around and your mom was so warm and welcoming. When I was able to make it downtown, I would always make a point to visit her at the cosmetic department. She is such a lovely person, inside and out. - Posted by: Darcy (Palmer) Watson (neighbour) on: Feb 21, 2021
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Dear Beverley, Greg, Theresa, Christopher and family, I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My heart felt condolences. Your Mom was a wonderful lifelong friend to my Mom Louise - another 'Hen' in the Hen's club! She was a beautiful person inside and out. I always remember enjoying visiting your home as a child when we visited Winnipeg. We loved her visits to our home in BC. She attended my wedding and of course - did my make up! The world was and is a better place because of your Mom Gloria. I have wonderful memories of her. May your cherished memories bring you joy, love and peace. Love, Lauren - Posted by: Lauren Lypchuk (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2021
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My sympathy to the Sokalski family. George died in ShamShui Po, I was an orderly in the hospital and I remember saying goodbye to George. A la prochaine Phil - Posted by: Phil Doddridge (President of HKVA) on: Jan 25, 2021
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Gloria, very classy, always so well groomed and professional. She spoke her truth with conviction. She wisely scolded me for smoking, “put another nail in your in your coffin”. Gloria was very vocal in what she believed in. She asked one and all not to buy anything from Japan. I was happy to meet Gloria along with several other Eaton’s Cosmetic former friends in 2010 for a surprise Birthday party. God Bless You. - Posted by: Sharon Freeman (Co-worker / cosmetics Easton’s) on: Jan 24, 2021
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My deepest sympathy goes out to all of the Sokalski family members. Your Mom was a beautiful lady, both inside and out. She was always kind and made me feel welcome and part of the family growing up. I am sure she will be happy to be with your Dad once again. I hope that you gain comfort knowing that your Mom was loved by so many. May the special memories you shared with your Mom, help you through this difficult time. Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort. Lisa Rand, Kerry, Liam & Kaitlyn Mitchell - Posted by: Lisa Rand (friend of the family) on: Jan 24, 2021
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Worked with Gloria during the goid old days in Eaton's cosmetics! Gloria was like a mother to the girls she worked with. She was a fabulous salesperson with regular customers wanting to only do business with her! My condolences to the family. Cherish the many wonderful memories. - Posted by: Deborah Bensky (Eaton's co worker) on: Jan 24, 2021
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On behalf of the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association we extend heartfelt sympathy to the family on the loss of Gloria. We hope that our prayers support you in your sadness. God bless. - Posted by: Carol Agerbak Hadley (acquaintance) on: Jan 24, 2021
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Dear Bev, Greg, Theresa and Chris. Your Mom was simply the best and we loved her dearly. Living across the street, she quickly became our second Mom. She had the biggest heart and smile to match. We will forever cherish the many wonderful memories. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace and may our friendship, love and prayers help to comfort you through this very difficult time. All of our love.....The Perch and Wrublowsky families xoxoxoxo - Posted by: Wendy Perch (Neighbour,friend and family ) on: Jan 24, 2021
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Beverley, Greg, Chris, and Teresa--I can't begin to say how sorry I am that you have lost your mother. She was just so much more than a neighbour to those of us who lived on Cloverdale Crescent. We knew Gloria as a new bride, a hopeful mother, and a very loving wife. After she had you, Bev, I became the #1 babysitter, only to be even more thrilled as each one of you entered the world. I remember using the days we had together as almost a different kind of 'play date', putting on plays and sewing outfits to wear in the plays, and all the while your mom and dad knew that even though they were out, their kids were having the time of their lives. Your mom was classic, graceful, beautiful, ever welcoming any and all of us to her home. Your dad was the humourist, a joker, one who saw the good, fun side of everything. Together they made a home out of their house. Your mom gave me the first two gifts for my hope chest; they are very old and worn out, but they will stay with me forever. I remember my first day after having open heart surgery and when I woke up there was Gloria standing there--an angel giving thanks to the Lord that I had made it through this serious operation at such a young age. Of course, your mom didn't drive, so she did what she very often did, she hopped the bus to get where she needed to go to see me. All of us have had our lives enhanced by your mother, and for that we are truly grateful. - Posted by: CHYRLE KYRITZ (Close Neighbour and Friend) on: Jan 23, 2021
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My condolences to the family. When I was growing up in Transcona, I remember thinking that Greg had the prettiest mom. She was a classy lady and I have so many fond memories of her having conversations with my parents at the store. Sounds like she knew she was loved by her many family and friends. Rest in peace Gloria! - Posted by: Erica Andree-Norris (Friend ) on: Jan 23, 2021
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On behalf of all of the Moors family from Cloverdale Crescent, I wish to express our sincere condolences to all of the Sokalski family. Our thoughts are with you. Craig Moors - Posted by: The Moors Family (Neighbor ) on: Jan 23, 2021