TOTTEN, Gladys

TOTTEN, Gladys Eleanor

We are sad to see her go,

yet thankful she suffers no more.

Born in Edmonton on September 2 1923, GLADYS TOTTEN passed away in Lethbridge at St. Therese Villa, Monday July 27, 2020.

Our beloved mother, grandma, ‘grandma-great,’ sister, auntie and friend will be missed by so many, but we will be sustained by wonderful memories. When people talk about Gladys, it usually involves her amazing food. No one could hold a candle to her prime rib roasts and perfect Yorkshire pudding, fried steaks (yes, fried), spaghetti with ribs, or incredible ravioli. No one left her house hungry.

Gladys was raised in Calgary, where she met her late husband Gene on an outdoor skating rink when they were both 16. From that day forward, nothing could separate them, save for the Second World War, and they were happily married for 57 years. It was ridiculous how close they were; like canoodling teenagers all of their lives.

She was predeceased by her son, Jay, in 1979, and by Gene in 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (George) Gallant of Lethbridge, and their children Jason Horvat; Allan (Ashley) Horvat; Bryan Horvat; Eric (Amanda) Gallant, and Emily Gallant – all of Lethbridge.

Great-grandchildren are Brandon Reid, of Grande Prairie; Julia (Horvat) Ronchetti, of Botucatu, Brazil; Morgan and Grayson Horvat of Lethbridge; Isaiah and Gideon Gallant, of Lethbridge; Harrison Horvat of Lethbridge; and Taylor and Jordan Adamson, and their mother, Tracie (Horvat) Snider, of Lethbridge.

She is also survived by two brothers and their families, whom she adored: Robert (Mona) Kitchener of Sundre, AB, and William McLellan (Eileen) of Abbottsford, BC, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gladys loved to boast about her grandkids and great grandkids. They were smarter and better looking than anyone else’s grandkids. She said so. A few days before she passed, we were able to tell her that another baby will soon bless our family, and she was delighted.

Gladys was a loyal friend, a devoted wife, and a loving mother, grandma and auntie. She thrived on family dinners, and loved to dance with Gene big band music. She sewed, knitted argyle socks, did needlepoint, and always had fresh flowers on the table. Unfortunately, she preferred ghastly sweet wine over the good stuff, poured over crushed ice in a cut-crystal glass. Well, to each her own.

There is so much more we could say, but how does one distill so long a life? She taught us much. She will be missed.

Our heartfelt gratitude to staff at St. Therese and at West Highlands Good Samaritans, who cared for her with compassion and love.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no formal funeral service is planned. The family will hold a celebration of life in late September, when her ashes will be laid to rest in the scatter garden with Gene’s and with her mother’s at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825 – 32 St. S., Lethbridge AB.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com