SIMONS, Gladys

SIMONS

GLADYS HELEN SIMONS (nee Chorney) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Lethbridge Alberta on June 30th, 2017 at the age of 70 years. She will be forever missed by her loving husband of 47 years, Frank; son Michael (Marilyn), grandchildren Abigail and Victoria. She will also be missed by her sister Lillian (Brian) Kazuk, nephew Robert (Rosie), niece Jill; brother Doug (Michelle) Chorney, niece Erin (Nate); brothers-in-law Pierre (Mary-Lou) Simons; Charlie (Judy) Simons; Willie (Antoinette) Simons; sisters-in-law Tina (Al) Simons; Johanna (Joe) Simons; as well as many nephews and nieces. Gladys was predeceased by her parents Anton and Adeline Chorney, parents-in-law Peter and Tina Simons, brothers-in-law Alfons, Joe and Matt, sister-in-law Elly Hopman. Gladys was born in Selkirk, Manitoba on July 8th, 1946 and grew up on a grain and potato farm in East Selkirk where she worked hard helping her parents. She became very involved in the 4H movement excelling at public speaking to a national level. In 1968 Gladys embarked on a bold move to Calgary, and later Lethbridge where her career blossomed from retail management to social services, working for the Province of Alberta for 47 years up until her passing. Gladys was committed to providing the utmost care to her clients which further illustrated her nurturing disposition and care for the well-being of others. It comes as no surprise that she had many caring and supportive co-workers throughout her career, who became some of her best friends. It was in Lethbridge where Gladys met the love of her life, Frank. Together they raised their son Michael and developed many friendships that became the basis for their success and happiness. The opportunity to be with her two precious granddaughters was a source of endless joy for Gladys. In addition, Gladys loved to host many family and friends traveling from Manitoba as they passed through Lethbridge. Gladys became known for her skill in the kitchen and for cooking wonderful meals exploring the culinary world. Her dinner parties created special moments for us all to love and laugh. All aspects of hospitality were tended to as she always made sure to include special treats for young and old visitors. Everyone left wishing they could stay a little longer. Gladys always found time to become involved in everyone’s life and give close attention to the personal details of their families. Her generous heart gave way to hosting many wedding showers, baby showers and special events for anyone who was fortunate enough to be part of her life. Gladys and Frank continued to remodel and upgrade their home with finishing details, which became the framework for showcasing a visual catalog of the people, places and events of her life. The definition of full or enough was an abstract concept in the world of Gladys where every square inch of the floor and wall space needed just one more item to complete her home. She also took the skill of sewing, cross-stitching and Ukrainian Easter eggs to the highest level of perfection. Gladys could never have managed her way through life, and more recently kidney disease, without the unending care and support of many people. Special thanks to Erika Bauer, Emil Szekrenyes, and Maureen Horon. Gladys was predeceased by her great friend Pat Moline. A special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who supported Gladys throughout her kidney disease. Thank you also to the Renal Clinic, 4C and the ICU staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Morley Wong and the incredible staff working with him for their dedicated care for Gladys. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on August 12th at the LETHBRIDGE MULTICULTURAL CENTRE located on the corner of 6th avenue and 5th street south from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, service starting at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Renal Unit c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South Lethbridge T1J 1W5, in memory of Gladys would be appreciated.

To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca