GLADYS MARY KENNEDY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GLADYS MARY KENNEDY

We are sad to announce the passing of Gladys Kennedy on Saturday, October 2, 2021 after a remarkable life spanning 101 years.
Predeceased by her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Staffin; husband Elmer Charles Kennedy; son David (Linda) Kennedy; sisters, Jessie (Harold) Denny and Clara Staffin; brothers, Matthew, George (Rita) and Jack (Thelma) Staffin. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Heather Kennedy in Vancouver; son Harlan Kennedy and his wife Donna in Regina; dear friend Bill McWillis; granddaughters, Beth (Todd) Hodge and Alexis (Timothy) Langen; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Orion Hodge, Harrison and Penelope Langen; and relatives and friends across Canada and beyond.
Gladys was born in Cadillac, SK on April 7, 1920, the youngest of six children. Her father, a lay minister, served multiple faith communities in south-western Saskatchewan and her family moved frequently when Gladys was young. She trained in Regina as a hairstylist but then chose to enlist in the Canadian army in the Second World War and worked as a Medical Records technician. She and Elmer married in 1946 and in 1959, they moved their family to Winnipeg. Gladys was an active member of Grey Street United Church; she served as choir director and worked on various committees.
After he retired from Shell Oil, Gladys and Elmer resettled in Victoria in the mid-80s. They enjoyed square dancing for many years and after Elmer passed away in 2002, Gladys continued to dance in Victoria with her regular partner Bill McWillis until she was 94. Late in life, she became a dedicated crossword puzzle solver and Tile Rummy player. She understood the value of brain and body exercise in staying healthy and happy!
Gladys was always a proud Canadian and volunteered for many causes and organizations, including the Committee for an Independent Canada, Red River Co-op, the Manitoba NDP and Veterans Against Nuclear Arms (VANA). She went to Moscow in 1987 with a VANA delegation to lobby the Soviet government to stop its proliferation of nuclear arms. She and Elmer opened their home in Winnipeg many times to refugees, new Canadians and to First Nations children who were facing challenges; that led to long-lasting friendships and new insights.
Gladys had a deep sense of responsibility for others and that defined her life. She actively worked for social change, world peace, justice for Indigenous peoples and climate protection, well ahead of the mainstream. As a trailblazer, her activism was often not easy, but she never shied away from what she believed needed to be done. Her family is immensely proud of her and will deeply miss her presence and her love in their lives.
Gladys was cherished by the residents and staff at Queen Victoria Estates in Regina, her home since 2014.
A Celebration of Life will be held there at a future date. Donations in Glady's memory may be made to Project Ploughshares (https://ploughshares.ca/).

This obituary may also be viewed and
tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca

Arrangements entrusted to
Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery
(306) 789-8850

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2021