Tribute Image

Gladys Cole

May 11th, 1927 - April 24th, 2024
Write a Tribute

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!


Tributes

Ron Hobbs
August 21st, 2024

Mrs Cole as I caller her would chuckle as I rarely used Glady. She was my Moms best friend since 1959 in Moose Jaw. They would have coffee every morning. We would meet or take her for breakfast at The Rink in Langley Rickys or The Home restaurant. Our last breakfast together was at The Home. Bill and my Dad worked together Gary and I grew up in Moose Jaw. She made Christmas stockings for our children and grandchildren. I hope she is having a coffee with my Mom chatting about the Good Old Days.

Charles Family
May 7th, 2024

In loving memory of Gladys, our dear neighbor and friend. Her warm smile and kind heart touched us all deeply. Through her thoughtful gestures, like crafting those cherished knitted Christmas stockings, she brought joy to our homes and hearts each holiday season. We'll forever cherish those moments spent chatting over her balcony, exchanging stories about family and life. Gladys' presence enriched our neighborhood (195 A street) and her absence will be deeply felt. Though she may be gone, her spirit will live on in the memories she created and the love she shared. Rest in peace, dear Gladys. You will be dearly missed.
Love the Charles Family

Janet
May 6th, 2024

From myself, and all the TOPS ladies, she will be missed! Our remaining group met Gladys almost 50 years ago!
We all have great memories.

Pete
May 5th, 2024

Gonna miss ya Gladly. Heading to Austin Fish and Chips soon. Will put out one piece and chips for you!

Wendy & Dane McElroy
May 4th, 2024

We both loved Gladys so much. We loved when she came over to our house with Gary. So much fun. We will truly miss this wonderful lady.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Jackie Hartfiel
May 4th, 2024

Such a lovely lady, always looking on the bright side of life. I hope her and Gary are sitting around watching curling right now.

Marilyn Berglund (Cole)
May 4th, 2024

Such a lovely tribute for a very special and fiesty lady. Along with others I loved her very much.

Cher Iverson
May 3rd, 2024

To the family of Gladys ~~

I cannot remember a time living on 195A that we weren’t always seeing and talking to Gladys. She was famous for her Xmas stockings that she made for the kids. My three children started calling her Nana and for me it stuck …. I called her Nana from then on.
Moving to Toronto, I only got to see her once a year when I popped in to surprise her. We would talk and laugh as if we’d never been apart.

My family and I all send our sympathies and love.

Cher Iverson (Ryan, Marc & Leah)❤️❤️❤️

Keegan Middleton
May 3rd, 2024

Aunty Gladys was am energetic and kind hearted woman. She was always a pleasure to have as company and constantly wore a smile on her face.

She always amazed me that into her 90's she had so much strength (if she gave you hugs youd likely agree.)

I'll always remember her as a gentle hearted woman, loved her 70's and 89's, country music and alwaysvhad a sassy sense of humor to match my own.

You will be truly missed, and i dearly hope you are resting peacefully.

Write a Tribute

Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.

Name
Email
Comment
Upload