Gloria Gail Martin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our family historian and matriarch.

Gloria Gail Martin (nee Mancell) chose to leave peacefully surrounded by love at Kelowna Hospice House on May 29, 2024 at the age of 83 years young. She was predeceased by her mom (Agnes) and dad (Harvey), four sisters (Ila, Audrey, Shirley, Lila), one brother (Gerry), her husband, John “Jack”, as well as other family members and several friends.

Mom was born in Drumheller, Alberta, and grew up in Nacmine. Times were tough back then so at the age of 16 she moved to Calgary to work at Alberta Poultry in the trucking office and later in the office of The General Bakery. She bussed home often as family was always her most beloved pride and treasure. Many years later, on one such visit home, she met a tall, handsome man named Jack.

When dad was not away working in Europe, Africa and Asia, an adventurous life of travelling around Europe was enjoyed by our family and at times, extended family.

Despite being so far away from family in Canada while living in various parts of Spain and Portugal, mom‘s number one priority was to her children and husband by making sure we always had a loving home.

When our family moved back to Canada, mom was always generous with her time. She helped wherever there was a need and was always a safe place for family and friends to lean on and confide in. While lending an ear and an open mind, mom maintained confidentiality and was always compassionate and empathetic towards others. She spread her brand of humour to lighten the mood and gave a gentle hug as an often required prescription.

Mom especially loved spending time with family and friends as well as dancing, bowling, bingo, playing mahjong or various card games with whoever would share their time. Money was always a part of the game, whether it be five cents or a little more. Her quick wit, often shocking sense of humour and funny sayings always left you smiling.

She excelled with numbers, whether it be mental math or simply remembering family and friends special dates. She would never miss sending a card and in later years, a phone call to let you know that she was thinking of you. Mom endeavoured to maintain and expand connections through travel and enjoyed many regular phone calls with relatives in Scotland as well as to friends and family in Canada and other parts of the world.

Our baby whisperer was an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives and was always available for a hug, a school event, sleepovers, babysitting, shenanigans, meal and treat making or any event where she was needed. Recently, two great grandchildren and a great, great nephew were added to her bubble of love.

Over the past six years, although her mind remained sharp, mom’s physical body slowly failed. She remained a beacon of positivity, love, resilience, fierce and feisty determination and strength. She worked hard to find daily purpose with her ever progressing and debilitating health limitations.

For such a tiny lady she is leaving a large hole in our hearts and huge shoes to fill. Left to mourn are her children, Randy and Shauna-Lee, grandchildren, Shianne (Trevor), Cole(Jade), Thomas, great grandchildren, Kailer and Easton, nephews, nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many friends.

In lieu of a service, mom requested that in her memory you spend quality time with loved ones. As mom would often say,” it’s the small and seemingly insignificant moments in life that really do count.”

Thank you to Dr. Hugo and Sass for always being so gentle and caring with mom. Thank you to nurses Anita and Leanne for gently guiding us through such an unfamiliar time. Thank you to John, our hospice spiritual volunteer, who selflessly spent time getting to know Mom and our family. John joined us with well-timed humour, caring words and a warm and gentle spirit. Thank you to all of our family and friends who are supporting us through this heart wrenching time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Kelowna Hospice House or charity of your choice.