Gloria was one in a trillion .
I am the grandson of Irene Erskine who Gloria became friends with during her time as a Nurse in London in the early 1950's. She was a friend for life and whilst visiting my Nana in hospital  in the late 90's - saved her life when reading up on her medical  notes at the hospital identified that she has been miss-diagnosed. Irene never had the opportunity to visit Gloria and Dick in Canada however she never forgets about them or her children despite being in her 90's now. 
I met Gloria when I was very young , and numerous times when growing up and was in complete awe of her . An absolutely wonderful and bubbly person . If only I knew how important she has been in her life and how she fought for her beliefs. 
RIP Gloria - you will be forever missed X 

A Salute to Gloria Clarke Baylis: 
Canadian Human Rights Pioneer

The hero’s not abundantly obvious
Often.  She’s proud, but magnanimous:
A beauty, yes, but indescribably
Angry.  The reason?  Her polite fury

Is the only credible riposte to the Queen
Elizabeth Hotel’s irrevocably obscene
Rejection of her—Gloria Clarke Baylis’s—
Application to be one of two nurses




In September 1964.  She submitted
Her credentials, but a hotel aide committed
“Perjury,” lying that the jobs were filled.  Worse:
Her application wasn’t kept.  White as blank verse,

This dude made Montréal appear a City
Of Segregation—racial and linguistic.  Pity
Gloria Baylis?  Nope!  Bajan by birth, she’d always
Championed Equality.  She chose to fight the disgrace

Of the then-Hilton hotel’s act of discrimination.
She telephoned the Negro Citizenship Association,
Whose aid included lawyer Gerald Charness,
He of B’Nai B’Rith, of angel-augmented brightness.

At the 1965 trial, the Hilton chain said,
“We’re ignorant of what our underling did;
And still, maybe he was right, since Mrs. Baylis
Speaks only English.”  But advocate Charness

Revealed that Baylis had worked years in French
As a nurse, and he dug at Hilton as if digging a trench.
Affirming the hotel’s racism wasn’t a once-only show,
Charness had Baylis stand, declare, “I am a Negro!”

Thus, she clarified that her experience was racism—
And not caused by lack of skills or lack of bilingualism.
Indeed, she was exceptionally bilingual.
But a twisted tongue had been used by the hotel.

Given the evidence, Judge Marcel Gaboury had to find
For the plaintiff, namely Gloria Baylis.  He fined
Hilton only a token amount.  But the fact is,
Heroic was Mrs. Gloria Clarke Baylis,

In being the face of Her Majesty The Queen
Versus The Queen Elizabeth Hotel.  Obscene
Is the irony!  But by taking on Hilton of Canada,
Gloria Baylis took a historic step.  Her bravura





Stand saw her triumph in Canada’s first test-case
Against racial prejudice in employment.  Erase
This glory?  No, never more!  She’s not nameless,
This heroine of Equality, namely, Gloria Baylis.


George Elliott Clarke
7th Parliamentary Poet Laureate (2016-17)


Gloria is now at peace after such a long journey. Sending our deepest love and gratitude for Gloria in our lives. Take good care of each other. Hugs and love to all.
The Lawlor Family

My mother was a grand person whom I am certain was experienced differently by many. As with all of us, there are many strands that make up the matrix of who and how we are in relationships. I suspect, no I know, I will continue to learn from her as I process her life and death, and the many different relationships she engendered throughout her life. 

To me, she contributed much given the strands of these different relationships. She taught me directly about the strength of women and the dedication of mothers. She was tirelessly supportive and left me with the indelible feeling that “I can do”. Oddly enough, with that also came a sense of respect for what was not possible but needed to be endured, at times strictly for the well-being of others. 

She was ultimately a kind and driven person whom I think withstood a lot, brought opportunity for all of us, and did enjoy the fruits of her labours with wine, song, travel, and friendship. It is with gratitude that I work to emulate the best of these lessons and gifts while respecting my limits, as well as my mother’s. I love you dearly Mom.

Every day I thank God that I married Gloria.  No man could have asked for more. From the moment I first saw her, I sensed that in addition to the good looks there was a woman with a special personality.

My mother was greatly disturbed at my proposing to marry a woman of colour but I knew that marrying Gloria was what I wanted. We got married and started a family. At age five, our daughter Françoise went to England to spend the summer with grandmother Baylis. Our daugther and my mother developed a special relationship and in time my mother came to know and love Gloria.

Gloria and I shared many good times and some difficult times together.  I learned a lot from her extrovert personality and her love of family and of people.  She nursed me (and many others) in sickness,  She gave me counsel and good advice, and she put me through McGill to get my second degree.  Over the years, we traveled to many places and often took our children with us. She said "let's not wait until we are retired, we may not be able to travel then." How right she was.

We were a team.  As time passed we learnt that we could trust each other one hundred percent.  She was a wonderful mother (and grandmother), helping and prodding our children to succeed -- failure was not discussed.

For her funeral I chose a reading from Proverbs Chapter 31 verses 10 through 28.  "Who can find a virtuous woman? ..."  This was my eulogy for her.  Even so, it did not cover all the bases (women did not organise sports clubs in biblical times).

Gloria, I love you and I miss you.

As a young girl, living in Barbados, my mother applied to the Hospital Kingston General in England for nurse’s training. She did this without telling her parents. It was only after she had been accepted that she informed them. By the cultural norms of the time and the place, it would have been considered shameful for her not to go after having been accepted into the training program. So her parents agreed and she left home as a teenager.

In those days, after World War II, the trip was made by boat and it took well over a week. Once you left home, you were gone. There were no emails, no skype, no cell phones. You could write a letter and that was about it.
 
Living in post-war England was difficult. The salaries were not high and there was rationing. For example, she needed to buy a winter coat. She had to plan and put away money over six months. In 1952, she decided to take her chances in the new world and she immigrated to Montreal. The country was growing fast and they needed people with all sorts of skills, including nursing skills.

When she received her first pay cheque, she could not believe how much money it was. She immediately went out and bought a coat and a sewing machine. Then she had a panic attack. They had clearly made a mistake and overpaid her, and she had spent the money! This was at a time before you could return items for a refund. She worried for two weeks about how she was going to explain this to her employer until she got her next pay cheque for the same amount. At that point she said to herself: “I will never leave this country!” And she never did. 

She met and married my father Richard Baylis on September 22nd, 1956. Together they had five children. Her first-born child, Pia Maria, died shortly after birth and this was very hard on her. She then went on to have four other children, my sister Françoise, myself, my brother Peter, and my sister Penny.

In writing a eulogy, you try to think of a story or two that encapsulates a person’s life. But with my Mom, how could I do this? She had accomplished so much. She fought and won the first case of racial discrimination in employment in Canada, setting the precedent against discrimination in the workforce. She was a surgical head nurse at major hospitals in both Montreal and Toronto. She helped to run the Central Registry of Graduate Nurses that allowed nurses (who were predominately women) to work part-time, thereby helping to balance their work and family life raising children. She worked on some Hollywood movie sets. She was involved in founding the Ontario Amateur Netball Association. And as most of you know, she established Baylis Medical. How do you capture all this and much more into a story or two?

I remember many years ago I attended a talk by a lady in the movie business. She told a funny anecdote about how, when living at home all she was ever told is “No, No, No.” “No you can’t do this.” “No you can’t do that.” When she moved away and went into the movie business she was sure it would be different. However, she was to learn that again she would be told “No, No, No.” The way she told the story it was very funny. This made me reflect, and think about my own situation. And I realised that I was never told “No.” My mother said “Yes”. Whatever I wanted to do, she said “Yes.” If I wanted to build a rocket to fly to the moon in my backyard, she would say “Yes, just don’t blow up the house!”

This is the essence of my mother. She said “Yes” to life, all of it. In doing so, she accomplished so much and had an impact on so many people. It was very normal for me to meet someone who knew my Mom and to have them share with me some story about how she had had an impact on their lives. On her passing, I have received countless emails, phone calls, and other messages from people sharing with me such nice stories about what she did for them. 

In the end, my mother leaves us at almost 88 years of age. She has shown us how to live a life to its absolute fullest. She is dead physically, but she is alive and well in spirit, living in everyone she has touched.

To borrow a line from Shakespeare, her life was such “that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘this was a woman!’” This is how to live a life!


I learned to read, curled up in bed, from my mother.

A book I read as a teenager, before I left home, was "Meetings with Remarkable Men." The book is a series of reminiscences about various meetings the author had with – as the title suggests -- "remarkable men." The first of these meetings is with his father.

My mother was a remarkable woman. One of many remarkable things is that she never once complained (at least to me) about her illness.  We never had a conversation of the "Why me?" variety.  Like every other adversity my mother encountered in her life she faced this head on and with determination.  My mother was nothing, if not a fighter. And yet she would have known going into the ring that this would be her last fight -- that she would not beat this disease.  Alzheimer's was going to take her from this world. My mother was bound and determined, however, that she would not (and she did not) go gently into that dark night – she raged, raged against the dying of the light.

I am a philosopher; my area of specialization is applied ethics. In simple terms, I learn and I teach about right and wrong.  The teachings are grounded in a number of sophisticated theories, each of which aims to guide human behavior in pursuit of a particular understanding of the good.

My mother was no philosopher, but she had a number of sayings that guided her in her daily interactions with others and I want to share two of these with you.

The first saying is "Cast they bread upon the water – It will return a hundred fold."

"Cast they bread upon the water – It will return a hundred fold."

The second saying – in much more colloquial terms – is "If you can do something for someone else and it doesn't hurt you, it doesn't take much effort – Just do it."

I am sure you will appreciate that the one teaching dovetails into the other.  My mother lived by these words.

As a child, a young teenager, a young adult I not only did not understand these words, I actively rejected them. Why? Because they impinged on me – on my life.  As my mother was busy giving to others, so was I – but I had not decided to be a giver. 

I am sure you know the popular saying "She'll give you the shirt off her back."  That was my Mom. But sometimes the shirt she gave away was mine – and I mean that quite literally.  I still remember "my" Caribana shirt that my Mom gave away.  "But Mom ..." "Just do it" she said...

I can't tell you how many people passed through our house.  And, I don't just mean for dinner.  There are people who came and lived with us for weeks, for months, for years. Some were family, some were friends, some were friends of friends, and frankly some were strangers -- at least at the beginning. 

I can't tell you how many meals we shared with "widows and orphans".  If you didn't have a place to go over the holidays (any holiday) you could always find a seat at our table.  As a young person I didn't understand why we always had to have people in our house.  Why couldn't we just be like all the other families I knew? Why couldn't we just be "us" -- four kids and a Mom and Dad? My Mom had answers for these questions. I heard her words, but I didn't have her commitment. To me "My Mom was generous to a fault." And, for me the emphasis was on "fault", not "generous".

My Mom touched many, many lives through her generosity. In so doing, she made this world a better place, one person at a time. I – indeed most of us -- will never touch half as many lives.

Wisdom comes to us with old age (if we are lucky).  It has taken me years to understand my mother's teachings and, as a mother, I have tried to share these teachings with my children. 

"Cast they bread upon the water – It will return a hundred fold."

"If you can do something for someone else and it doesn't hurt you, it doesn't take much effort – Just do it".

And then for me at least, in the background, I hear my father's voice with some version of "All things in moderation."

While this is a eulogy for my mother, I cannot stand here and not say a few words about my father.  My father has been a rock for my mother in countless ways. If I reflect on the early days of their life together, my mother could not have been as generous as she was without his emotional and financial support. And these past dozen years as my mother has slipped, slidded and fallen into dementia – he has been there for her, at her side while this illness has ravaged the woman he so dearly loved. 

This has not been an easy journey for him.  Living with a powerful woman – and make no mistake about it my mother was a remarkably powerful woman – is hard. Watching that woman be taken away from him piece by piece has been gut-wrenching. And yet, my father counts among his blessings that he met and married my mother. He loved her with all of her strengths and all of her weaknesses.

My Mom and Dad are remarkable people. Together, they were an amazing team.

As we share in this time of sadness, I ask you to find one happy memory of my mother.  Maybe that will be a memory of a small kindness that she did for you or for someone you know. Maybe she gave you a job.  Maybe she gave you a loan, or a smile, or sage advice, or a challenge that you did not think you could meet. Maybe she gave you a bed to sleep in. Hold on to this memory. Cherish it so that my mother may live on in you.

Gloria Leon Baylis (née Clarke), 87, of Westmount QC, passed away April 12, 2017 at Chateau Westmount. 

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister.

She was dearly loved by her husband Richard Headley Baylis; children Françoise Elvina Baylis, PhD (Michael) of Halifax, NS; Frank Headley Baylis, MP (Valerie) of Beaconsfield, QC, Peter John Baylis, PhD (Adrienne) of Canmore, AB; and Penny Jane Baylis, MD of N.D.G., QC.; sisters Marie Antoinette Emtage, Elaine Griffith, June Clarke, Winnifred Halifax, Greer Chugh; brothers, Eric Clarke, Robert Clarke, Reynold Clarke, and John Clarke; and seven grandchildren: Kaila Alexandra, Jacob Alexander, Peter Edward, Victoria Grace, Julia Marie, Maya Gabrielle, and Liam Richard.  

She was predeceased by her daughter Pia Maria and her brothers Reginald Clarke and Anthony Clarke.

The Funeral Service was at Ascension of Our Lord Parish, 11:00am Wednesday April 19, 2017, Father Lawrence MacEachen officiating.


Dear Frank, Your stories at the memorial service were very inspiring.  Your mother has left such a wonderful legacy and we must ensure that is carries on.  My condolences to you and your family.

I was fortunate to meet your mom during my time at Baylis Medical. She was such a strong, joyful and kind person and always took the time to chat with me. She left a powerful impression on me as I am sure she did on all she me. It is with sadness that I offer my sympathy to you Frank, your family and all at Baylis Medical

Dear Penny-Jane and Family,

Sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother. May you find strength and comfort in the happy memories of a life well spent and in the legacy of her many contributions.  

Wishing you and the entire Baylis family peace at this difficult time, on behalf of the MUHC department of Family Medicine's Secondary Care division.

Our love and blessing are with you and the family. Please except our heartfelt condolences, 
Dave, Vicki, Mom, Nicole and David

***
I am so sorry for your loss. My dad [David Clarke] sends his condolences.
Nicole Clarke

On behalf of the Carrasco family, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Baylis family for the passing of Mrs. Baylis. She will be truly missed and we will include her in our daily prayers.
Pat Carrasco and family

Condolences to the family. So sorry to hear about Auntie Gloria. Much love.
Diane Clarke-Watt

I'm so sorry for your loss -- our thoughts are with you and your family -- be gentle with yourself at this difficult time.
Lydia Stewart Ferreira

Francoise, She was a humorous force. It's pretty traumatic losing a parent. I hope you are OK. Sorry I am not closer to Canada otherwise I would get to Montreal. I wrote eulogies for both my parents; cathartic.
Peter Morgan

Francoise, So sorry to hear from Joc of your mother's death. I'm glad that you got there in time to say farewell. By all accounts, she was a remarkable woman.
Mary Alice Downie

Letting go is hard, but she is a fighter and did that until the disease took her. She doesn't know how to swallow anymore so weaker and weaker. Today, holding on tight.

It has been a 15 year journey and she has taught me so much ... even during that time. No complaints. Facing fear with courage and dignity. I am blessed.

This has saddened Mummy. As you know, Gloria was a very dear person to her. I pray she will have an easy journey. Love and prayers from all of us to all of you.
Patricia

I remember the summers that I would stay with Auntie Gloria and Uncle Dick. It was fun times and we played a lot of games she would always make me laugh.
Magen

So sad to hear but glad she is at peace.
Jessica Clarke

So very sorry, and happy that she's at peace.
Tania Clarke

I knew Gloria would be my mother-in-law long before she knew it (just as I knew I would marry Peter long before both Peter and Gloria knew!). What I did not know, when I first met Gloria, almost thirty years ago, was the extent to which she would impact me, my life and the lives of our children. The lyrics of the song called "Changed for Good" from a Broadway musical capture some of my sentiments as I reflect upon this impact; "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn/And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them/Because I knew you, I have been changed for good". 

I met Gloria as I was starting my career. She demonstrated the determination required to move forward as a female within the health care system while maintaining her fierce and passionate dedication as a mother. Further, Gloria did not "suffer fools gladly". Intolerant of foolish behaviour, I clearly recall the first time she expressed her disapproval of something Peter had done. Little did she know at the time that she was modelling how important it is to be assertive in expressing our personal needs within our relationships, a lesson which has served both Peter and I well. In fact, Gloria wanted to hear what I had to say and challenged me regularly to "speak up", especially around the dinner table, as the Baylis family regularly held much more heated debates than I had ever witnessed! 

Over the years, I cannot count the number of times I have seen Gloria make "something out of nothing", often in a flurry of organized chaos, whether sewing her stunning silver outfit in the wee hours of the night before our wedding, adding a few more potatoes to the pot to magically feed more guests or always having the right item to mend clothes, Gloria was the person you wanted on your team. 

Because of Granny Baylis, Maya and Liam know the importance of loyalty, family, stretching a dollar, maintaining an "open door policy" and the responsibility to share our good fortune with others. Because of Granny, they have an authentic example of a strong intelligent determined black woman. They know how Granny overcame countless obstacles, charting her own course from Barbados and thriving in the business world while supporting her children and grandchildren. 

Perhaps most importantly, we also know the value of "joie de vivre" because of Gloria. I have such vivid memories of Gloria being the first to leap onto the dance floor at any and all social occasions, order the mimosas and joke with everyone from the mail carrier to the young guy bagging her groceries, encouraging us all to take life less seriously. I now know, for sure, that Gloria will continue to have an impact on my life and the lives of our children. For all this and more, I have been changed for good, because I knew Gloria.
Adrienne Lawlor

So sorry for your loss -- she will be missed. Auntie Gloria is (I can't bring myself to write was) somewhat of a legend. Her resilience, generosity, and joie de vivre knew no bounds. Her inspiring leadership played a part in shaping the woman I've become -- I often find myself wondering what would Auntie Gloria or Zetta do in similar circumstance? The answer always brings me courage and makes me fell fearless. I raise a toast to Gloria (aka, the Best)! Love to all!
Joanne Griffith

Our sincere condolences to Dick, Frank, Francoise, Penny & Peter on the huge loss of your Mom. She will live forever in our memories.
Eric and Elma

Penny, Francoise, Frank and Peter John and Uncle Dick. Condolences from our family to yours. I remember A. Gloria always making jokes with the kids (Nibs remembers how she always used to call her a bad girl!!) but still showing genuine interest in the progress of each member of our family. And giving sound advice on whatever path we were on at the time. She was a strong woman and a trail blazer in more ways than one. You call can be proud of her contribution. May she rest in peace.
Leona Emtage

Uncle Dick, Francoise, Frank, Peter and Penny, I am saddened to hear of auntie Gloria's passing and send you all my condolences. Auntie Gloria had such spirit. An adventurer who played a big part in making a path, or just blazing a trail, for all the siblings to enjoy the opportunities offered overseas. Where would we all be, if not for her adventurous spirit? Thank you Auntie Gloria.
Dee

Saddened about this news and what Uncle Dick and family are going through. Aunt Gloria is a favourite elder always with good advice and commitment to her extended family as well. Linda, Mom and I are sorry about this turn of events and send our love to you all.

****
A pioneer and inspiration to us all. Stayed true to herself, was proud of her family, people and region. Like her mother she was unfazed by hard work, full of love and committed to helping others in her circle and beyond. We are really saddened. Our love and condolences.
Russell Clarke

A true tribute to Gloria's memory are the loving, funny touching anecdotes shared by everyone here. She definitely impacted all of our lives in a very meaningful way. I can still hear her infectious laugh and feel her warm hugs. Give them hell, Gloria
Alisa Clarke

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Aunty Gloria had a huge impactful personality, strength of character, generous, welcoming and warm. A true inspiration. I'm so sad. Condolences to all, Uncle Dick, Francoise. Frank, Peter and Penny. You all have lovely memories to hold on to.
Ann Clarke

Oh my favourite lady. Such sad news. God is watching over us all.

Thinking of your loss hurts me. I'm not good with words, I can't even put a sentence together at this time. I do know though that feelings of loss can get you at times right down to your knees.
Linda Clarke

My heartfelt condolences to Gloria's family, and by extension, the entire Clarke family. This is a trying period having two siblings passing so close to each other. We are keeping you all in our prayers, asking God for strength to get through this.
Margaret, Louis and Tina Ifill

I love the love I'm feeling in all of the posts. I feel hurt and sadness inevitably, but I know with Love family heals. On behalf of my family and I, I'm sending my love, my condolences, strength and prayers. I too lost my daddy recently and it is not easy, but necessary. I pray that each of you will heal, accept and increase your faith and love. In making a strong effort to make each day better than the last, I found strength. I pray you all will too. Anthony and Gloria were certainly two of my favourites with a spirit of fun and character each. They will be missed especially at family reunions but will remain with each of you who miss them most in spirit.  In the moments, days and weeks when sitting still you will feel their presence and love, may that be your guide to restore your hearts.  
Akilah and family with love from Toronto

Dick, Francoise, Frank, Peter and Penny I just want all of you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Losing a parent is a very sad experience. Knowing that she lived to nearly 90 years old, you were all blessed. Continue to cherish all the fun, funny, beautiful memories you have of Gloria. I absolutely loved Gloria's spirit. She will forever be etched in my memory. Lots of love and warm hugs to all of you. I pray that your Dad can cope and that with all of you rallying around him it will give him the strength to carry on. I pray for him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended families at this sad time. I loved Gloria very much. Just loved her spirit. I have a little of her in me -- the fun loving daring and crazy side. I am off to Montreal this evening for the grand send off for Gloria and to reminisce and reflect on Anthony with the family.  I am really going to miss these two, especially at family reunions. They will forever be etched in my memory of the most funny fun colourful members of our family.
Larke Miller

Dear Richard, That was truly a lovely send-off for Gloria on Wednesday and I was glad to have been present at such a special gathering. When you think about it, the church was fuller than some Sundays; a testament, if one were needed, to how positively she affected so many people during her lifetime. I could not attend the reception afterwards because I had a doctor's appointment, but I’m sure you will have been swamped with friends who don’t see you as often as I do. I know you’ll have much to do in the coming days and weeks so please don’t trouble yourself to respond to this friendly message. With kindest regards,
Wilfrid M. de Freitas

Dear Frank
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother.  May she rest in peace and may God grant you and your family the peace that passes all understanding. 
Rose(WIBCA)

Uncle Dick, I'm so so sorry to hear this news, my most sincere condolences. I've got such fond memories of Aunty Gloria and spending my birthday with you 10 years ago. I always treasure these and will miss her much. Love Del


Dear Mr. Baylis, Thank you for your email. I am very sorry for your loss, you and Gloria are on our minds at this late hour. So many wonderful memories, all those years of friendship, laughter, love and support to hold onto. Sending you our thoughts and wishing you comfort and peace as you work through the days ahead. We will be with you next week. 
With love Suzanne and Joanne Goodings


Good Morning Dick, I was so sorry to hear your sad news. You have my deepest sympathy & very sorry to hear about Gloria. I remember her being a wonderful Lady that always made me laugh when I was a young boy. Scary doesn't seem that long ago! Probably around 47 years ago! Dad obviously had told me that she hadn't been well for a while now. If Dad doesn't know I will call him shortly. Please pass my regards on to your family at your sad time. I hope you are well. I will let my father Paul Farrar know this morning. Regards.
John Farrar


Richard, Deepest sympathies for the loss of your lovely wife and our good friend. 
Brian and Janette Semmens


Richard & Family, Sorry to hear the news. We will be thinking of you all and send our love. Barbara is staying with Mum at the moment so we shall be seeing them both over the weekend.
Tim, Kay, Robert and James Goss


Dear Richard, Thank you for email. Please accept our condolences for your sad loss.
Rosa and Philip Hockley


To Richard, Francoise, Frank, Penny and Peter, Glo has been a lynch-pin to not only her husband and children, but to her sisters and brothers. We can never express sufficiently her greatness but we all recognize it. With deep feelings of sorrow, I hope you all will continue to be strong at this moment of sorrow.
Bobby Clarke


My sincere condolences to all. I know we will miss that wonderful human being. One of my favourite people of all time
Peter Miller


Richard, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. 
Bob Forest


Hi Dick, My sincere condolence for the loss of your wife.
George Hrtschan


Uncle Dick, I saw the sad news that Penny posted. Rest assured Auntie Gloria is in my heart and you and the cousins are in my prayers.
Ian Emtage


Good Morning Dick, first please accept deepest condolences from my family and I.  While I did not spend much time with Auntie Gloria and did not get to know you, the family bond is strong.  Thank you so much for your hospitality while we were there in December.  A special thank you for taking Daddy and I to see Auntie Gloria.  I know the visit meant a lot to him. Sending you much love and lots of hugs.  I will try to attend the funeral on Wednesday. Love
Marie (Clarke) and Shaka Walker


Dear Richard, Please accept my deep sympathy and that of my siblings on the passing of Gloria. We know that the recent years have been tough for you and your family but she is at peace now. Hold your memories in your hearts as you feel the need to and know that many of us are thinking of you. Blessings at Easter
Billie Miller


Sometimes these life events are a blessing for both the individual and the devoted caretaker. She’ll be in your heart forever. You’ve been a very devoted husband. God bless you.
Jack Rothenberg


Dear Dick, Kaiawa, Akeel and I would like to offer our sincerest condolences on the passing of Gloria. She was a tremendous woman with a great pioneering spirit.  I could not keep up with her. I remember she introduced me to the night life in Montreal and Biddles. I have much to thank her for, especially supporting our family through Reg's illness. She was always willing to lend a comforting ear at those very low moments. We have much to thank her for and to learn from her. At this time there is nothing I can say that would fill that void that has been created. Her life and contributions tells it all. She is resting easier now. Our thoughts are with you.      Anne Bramble

Dear Uncle Dick, We all feel this loss. Aunty Gloria was such a dynamo and a role model of generosity and resourcefulness. Her spirit certainly lives on in all of us who had the opportunity to learn from her. Thinking of you all

****
A. Gloria lived an accomplished life and left quite a legacy. So let us find comfort in the memories of her love of family, her laughter, her utter ease with people (a real Clarke/Miller trait) and sheer resourcefulness. Like A. Zetta, so willing to pass on wisdom and guidance.

****
Now at Easter Monday picnic lime in the savannah in POS. One person here is the niece of Jocelyn Bishop at whose wedding Aunty Gloria was the bridesmaid.  They together bought the hot water and Gloria said "you are the bride, you go first." They shared the bath water.  Both were nurses from the Caribbean in England. Lovely story.
Roberta Clarke


Dick, Sorry to hear of Gloria's passing. It has been a long battle both for her and yourself. Going through similar trials myself, I can understand how difficult this must be for you and your family. I know that when Trish goes it will be with great sadness, but also relief.  She has no quality of life at present, she does not respond hardly at all to any stimulation, can only take liquids for nourishment and sleeps a lot.  I will try to get to either the viewing or the funeral. 
Peter Oswald


It is with great sadness to hear of Gloria's passing.  She had been a great friend and we shall miss her jovial spirit.  Our deepest sympathies go to you and to all your family.
Joyce and Selwyn


Hi Mr Baylis. My condolences, it's a sad time for you and for your family. You and your children and grandchildren are in my thoughts. I regret not being able to attend the visitation for Mrs Baylis. She was always very kind to me. God bless your family and all of us. 
Dominique Brennan


I am so sorry to learn of your loss.  At last she rests in peace after her journey through life on this earth.  Her last years have not been easy for her or for you, but now that she is gone, I’m sure there is a huge hole in your soul, where once she resided.  Thank you for the information about the visitation and funeral service.  Our sincere sympathies,
Dick and Janet Macklem


Very sorry for Gloria I think it is better for her  because of the way she was. Mes sympathies Dick from me and Huguette.
Claude and Huguette


Dear Richard, I was very saddened to receive the news of Gloria passing away.  I will always remember her as a happy and loving person. Please accept my heartfelt condolences in this time of sorrow.  I have passed on the sad news to my mother, Irene Erskine, who was saddened at hearing about the loss of one her oldest and dearest friends.  Mum asked me to pass on her condolences to you and your family. Gloria will always be in our hearts.
Irene Erskine, Redcar, UK
Keith and Catherine Erskine, Wexford, Ireland

Dear Richard, We are thinking of you and sending warmth and love your way.
Dana Lawlor, Simon and boys


We will always remember the happier days. Sincere condolences,
Tony and Juliette Byer


Hi Uncle Dick, This is your niece, Lisa Clarke. I'm away on vacation right now but I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of Auntie Gloria. She is surely at peace now. You have been so strong over the years and supported her with love. I love you. Please stay strong in the times ahead. Love,
****
Memories of A. Gloria dancing at Montreal Jump Up ... having a great time ... thanks to her for the many ways she helped and supported Dad to come to Canada ... to U. Dick and A. Gloria for hosting Mum and Dad's wedding at their apartment ... for the lively discussion ... for the laughter and wise advice.
Lisa Clarke

Dear Uncle Dick, I am so sorry for your loss, and my family is thinking of you and yours. I remain thankful for the help Aunt Gloria gave me when my mother had her aneurysm. Her help was invaluable. I last saw Aunt Gloria at my father's Celebration of Life. I remember her support and "large spirit". She sure knew how to tell a story! I have told my mother...her own progressive dementia means she cannot retain this. Mom's comment on hearing of Gloria's passing was " Oh no!  She was so sweet." My sister Renata lives in Rome. She said,  "I wish I had the chance to know her better." I echo that sentiment. Aunt Gloria said to my brother Ray "You are a strange one. You don't talk." She was very right with that! He recalled Aunt Gloria telling him that at Dad's funeral. He sends his condolences to you. Again, please know you and family and Aunt Gloria are in my prayers. Eternal rest grant unto her Oh Lord, and let  perpetual light shine upon her, and may she rest in peace. Amen. Be well, and may God bless.

****
A big loss. Aunt Gloria meant a lot to my mother.
Theresa-Ann Clarke


Hello Dick and family, Carol here. I'm so sorry to hear about Gloria, I loved her to bits and have some lovely memories of her. I'll always remember the jangle of her bangles. :-) Sending love and condolences to you and yours.  Love, Carol 

Dear Uncle Dick, Francoise, Frank, Peter-John & Penny-Jane, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I would love to be there with you but I do not want to leave my Mum.  When I told her the sad news, she lifted her head slightly off the pillow and stared at me.  Mum and myself  would be there in spirit. Aunty June will represent the Emtages. Rest assured that Aunty Gloria is in a better place where she has been reunited with her love ones. I can very well imagine what heaven is like now with Aunty Gloria and Anthony dancing around Mother and having a great time with those who have gone before. Jesus looking with a wide grin on his face. I pray that you will be given the strength to carry on and rest assured that time heals although sometimes it does not feel so. May the good Lord bless and keep you guys safe.

****
May she rest in peace and rise in glory. She and my Mum were very close. Uncle Dick, Francoise, Frank, Peter and Penny our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

****
When I told Mum of her sister's passing she just stared at me. I am fairly sure that she understood but due to her condition she was unable to reply. Rest in peace and let light perpetual shine upon her.
Anne Marie Emtage-Diop


Hi Uncle Dick, Please accept our sincerest condolences on Auntie Gloria's passing. I'm sure you won't remember me. I'm Maisha, Zetta's first grandchild and Jerry's first daughter. I remember visiting you guys as a child in Montreal in the early 80s. We would play with all the girls' Barbie toys in your basement. I remember being mesmerized by Auntie Gloria's personality. She had an amazing, infectious and rambunctious fun loving personality which one could never forget particularly as a child. Auntie Gloria was a phenomenal woman and someone who was a personal inspiration for me especially in my adulthood when I learned what a trailblazer she was for women's rights and the rights of people of colour. We are so proud of the person she was and everything she's done and the legacy she has left behind in your children and grandchildren and amongst the wider family. We will be thinking of you all and praying for peace during this difficult time. She is truly loved by so many. With love,
Maisha and the rest of Jerry & Leona's family, kids and grandkids. 


Hi Richard, 

I just wanted to send my deepest condolences and sympathies. 

I have known Gloria for over thirty years and she has been a big part of my life, she was really a second mother to me. Her passing is a great loss for everyone she has touched -- and that has been a great many people. I learned a lot from her and she influenced my life in many ways. Perhaps the things that I will most remember were the big heart, willingness to help others under almost any circumstances, and the constant grace, energy and great good humour with which she lived her life. It was a privilege to know her and to marry her daughter -- who is like her in many ways. 

Will be with you soon,
Michael Bolton

Dear Richard and Family. Please accept our sincere condolences for the sad loss of Gloria.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have this morning 'phoned Margaret Gray (nee Hughes) of Bath with the sad news, she wishes me to express on her behalf condolences to yourself and family. Similarly I have 'phoned Mrs Freda Giles at Faringdon, Oxfordshire and she will be contacting you directly. Sincere regards,
Ann and Michael Rose


Dear Mr. Baylis, We would like to express our deepest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on hearing about the passing away of Mrs. Baylis. Mrs. Baylis was such a dynamic and kind person and we are very grateful to have had the opportunity of being touched and influenced by her. My mother and I are planning to be at the wake on Tuesday evening and Sylvie and Shirah will join us on Wednesday for the funeral.
Damien and Sylvie Brennan


Hello Richard, My condolences and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I will not be in Montreal on the day of the funeral.
Martin Slade


Our deepest condolences to Dick and family. Gloria was quite a woman and will be missed by all, but have some wonderful memories that will last forever.

****
Hi Dick, Winnie, left this morning for Montreal and will be attending the funeral. We sent our sentiments on Facebook but I understand you do not have it on your computer. I would just like to say how much we will miss Gloria but will always have such memories of her laughter and love for family. Winnie and I were just talking about when we moved to New Brunswick how you and Gloria came by to bring us some food and help us to pack. Gloria washing the basement floors for us and doing anything possible to help us. These gestures are never forgotten. That is just one of the many memories we have. Dick, we know this is a very trying time for you and our thoughts and prayers are with you to give you strength in the coming days. Take care and we love you.
Winnie/Sid


Attention à tous. Mme Gloria  la femme de notre co-fondateur, secrétaire, trésorier, notre grand amis Richard Baylis est décédée. Alors je vous transfère les details.
André Tessier


Please accept my deepest sympathy on Gloria's passing Will be off to Halifax for AGM.
Steve Woloz


My Sympathy to your family. I will make the trip on Tuesday will be by Eric & Elma.  See you at the viewing and on Wednesday at the funeral at the church and Mount Royal. May her soul rest in peace. My prayers are for you and your family. Praise God  
Yvette Carrington


Dear Francoise, I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. From all I read she was a force. I hope your many fond memories will keep her memory strong. 
Janet Takefman


We wish to express our condolences to the family of Gloria Baylis. She was a founder of the club, our leader and coach and inspiration. Gloria's name often comes up when we remember the early years of the club. She will never be forgotten. With sincere sympathies from the Cosmopolitan Netball Club: Julie Tripp, Ann McKell, Joan Leyden, Rebecca Crumlish, Donna Riggs, Jane Butler, Christina Corsini, Susan Lisy, Teresa McAteer, Sheri Rowe, Ann Turner 
Julie Tripp


My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Gloria.
She was a lovely lady!
Gail Goldstein


My deepest condolences to the whole family. 
Criselda Olo


Sincere condolences from all of our family to all of yours. May you find comfort and strength in each other. 
Orlando B


Dear Baylis Family, Our sincere condolences to you all at this most difficult time.
Helen Lazare (Montreal,QC.)
Sam and Kathleen Lazare (Thornhill,Ontario.) 


To the Baylis Family:  Richard, Unfortunately we never had the pleasure to meet Gloria. To your children and extended families, we express our deepest sympathies.
Peter and Caroline Bauer


Our sincere condolences to Penny and the rest of the Baylis family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott and Tracy Delaney 


Dear Françoise and family, I'm sorry for your loss and wish you an abundance of strength, comfort, and love. 
Angel Petropanagos


Dear Penny, Peter and the rest of the family
My sincerest condolences for your loss. May you be spared further sorrow. 
Earl Zukerman


Dear Frank, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Rosemary Murphy 


My sincere condolences to you Penny and your family. 
Linda Forcillo 


Dear Penny and family, Please accept our sincerest condolences. We wish you all the strength, wisdom and love in this period of mourning. Nos pensées sont avec vous. 
Marc Gélinas


Please feel my big hug regarding the passing of the mother you loved so dearly. Of course she was an amazing and wonderful woman and always will be.  Again a big hug.
Jeff Nisker


Oh my...I'm so very sorry to hear this news, Francoise. I hope that, in the coming days and weeks, as grief carves its way through you, you will catch a glimpse or two of the memories of joy that you've accumulated in your lifetime with her. In the twelve years since my father died, I've been amazed by the warehouse of sweet memories I carry within me, just as I've been stunned by the way my grief sits me down, even now, when it catches me unawares. What an insanely hard bargain it is...this life, and these loves. Be gentle on yourself,
Michelle Oberman


I am so sorry to hear about the passing your mother, and I apologize for the email intrusion during what I can only imagine is a very difficult time for you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences.  Sincerely,
Frank Harvey


Thank you for sending a link to your Mother's obituary. We appreciated receiving it.  Today, we wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. We will also remember you tomorrow when you are gathered in Montreal.  Please accept our deepest sympathy.
George Webster, Pat Murphy and Lydia Shawarsky


I know how hard this is.  Your mother was an extraordinary woman, and you and your siblings do her great credit. I hope the memorial service in Montreal brings peace and a sense of weary relief after a very difficult time.
Deb Woolway


I'm so sorry for your loss. And I'm sorry that your mom, you, and you're family had to deal with the horrible thing that is Alzheimer's which complicates both living and dying.
Jan Sutherland


I am so sorry to hear about your mother's death. From listening to you speak about conversations with my Mother, I know what a big part of your life she was, I feel that I know her in a very small way. You have been very generous sharing her story and helping others  better understand the  realities of living with this disease.  I hope your good memories help you through this sad time,
Linda Bird


I’m so sorry about your mom. If you recall, I did have the chance to meet her once and I thoroughly enjoyed her company. She seemed like a wonderful woman. I hope you and your family are doing all right, and that you’re able to spend time together, remembering your mom.
Carolyn McLeod


I will sit in meditation sending good wishes to the soul of your mother... and to you dear friend
Judy Johnson


Augh.  My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. It’s clear though to see that she lives on in you and your siblings. I wish I could have met her. Despite the inevitability of your mom’s declining condition over these past several years, I expect that we are seldom really prepared for the death of one who has been so central and you will allow grief to find its own course over the coming months. When my father died, shortly after I took up my position at UBC, for several months, maybe years, I found deep caverns of sadness would well up, sometimes at the most inopportune of times. I found a strange gap between those who’d experienced and felt the loss of a loved one, a parent or a child, and those who hadn’t.  It takes time to heal.
Janice Graham


Sorry for the delayed email, and my sincere condolences. Gloria was always a key person in my heart throughout high school and early university, and I am so sorry to hear about her passing.  My thoughts are with you, and with the rest of the family.
Michael Tymianski


I am very sad to hear that news.  She was an icon in my life and I will never forget her. She was the mother that we all wished we could have. I’m sorry, I will not be able to get to Montreal next week, by my thoughts are with you and all of your family.
Oliver Borgers


AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mrs. Gloria Leon Baylis

29 juin 1929 – 12 avril 2017

Centre funéraire Côte-des-Neiges

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