While lovingly surrounded by a few family members and close friends, Aunty Gladys took her last breath and crossed over to "The Happy Hunting Ground" (as she would refer to it) on April 24, 2024.

She's predeceased by her mom Helen, dad Claire, husband Bill, son Gary, as well as all her siblings Bill, Mick, Cliff, Vivian, George and Earl.  She is survived by her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, along with many nieces and nephews, two and three generations deep.

She was our energizer bunny, our rock and our family matriarch. Aunty Gladys was the glue that held our family together, both near and far—the light, the love, the laughter, the go-to gal. A true icon to all who knew her.

Born in Vernon, BC on May 11, 1927, Aunty Gladys was the first of 7 children to Helen and Claire Keeley.  She spent her formative years in Blue River, BC, where her father worked for the CN Railway and her mom stayed home to raise their family.

Aunty Gladys married her love Bill Cole in 1947, and 9 years later became mom to their only child, Gary.
As a sports enthusiast, she enjoyed skiing, curling, bowling and playing baseball. One of her favourite sports programs on TV was curling, particularly the Annual Scotties Tournament of Hearts. She was a self-proclaimed “news junkie” and enjoyed reading the local newspapers and watching the news on TV.  Two of her favourite TV game shows were Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Aunty Gladys worked for BC Tel, the Credit Union in Ottawa, GH Wood, and a host of other jobs in between. Over the years, her travels took her across Canada, as well as many trips to the U.S. Being a fan of country music, especially the Rhythm Pals, she would go hear them often when they played the local Vancouver arts scene. She was also an avid reader, especially romance, and mysteries and crime. She loved her word search puzzle books and had dozens on the go at any given time. She enjoyed dining at White Spot, the Home Restaurant, Ricky’s, and Austin Fish ‘n’ Chips... a must-do get-together with family and friends. Aunty Gladys was well known for many things, but especially her knit Christmas stockings, to which she made over 600! A very special something many of us hold in our hearts, as a treasured keepsake and look forward to putting up at Christmastime. 

Aunty Gladys’ legacy lives on in each of us who knew and loved her.  She was a guiding light to all.  Her strong spirit is imprinted in the hearts and minds of those touched by her.  She is known for her sharp wit, her generosity, and most of all, her abiding love. Aunty Gladys requested there be no service, but for all of us to remember her as she was. There will never be another like her.

RIP our beloved Aunty Gladys, you will be forever missed, forever loved.

Some Gladys-isms we all know...
*I'm workin' on it!
*Doin' alright for just sitting by my window and doin' nothin'.
*You've got to be kidding me!
*You've got that right!