Helen Loretta Gledhill

GLEDHILL, Loretta - Mrs. Loretta Gledhill, daughter of the late Milton and the late Gladys MacDougall, was born November 20th, 1931 on St. Joseph Island, Ontario. She is survived by David, her loving husband of 66 years.

She was always adventurous and went from a one room schoolhouse, north of the Soo, to graduating from high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, she became a lifelong baseball and football fan. Loretta returned to Sault Ste. Marie and while looking after several siblings, met her future husband David, as she worked at the Algoma Central Railroad. Loretta turned down his numerous requests to date but finally gave in and they were married a year and a half later in 1956. They shared a wonderful life together. Their favourite place to be was with their children at the cottage on St. Joe's Island. A lifetime of memories was created here.

Loretta was a devoted wife, mother and granny. As a result of her generous and gentle spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. She had several interests and hobbies but none meant more to her then making a loving home for her family. She was small in stature but mighty in spirit. She quietly departed this life Thursday, December 1st, 2022 at the F. J. Davey Home.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her devoted husband, children, Herb and Heather as well as her two grandchildren, Nicholas and Savannah Heintzman, who gave her great joy. Adored by her younger siblings Carolyn Kottick (late Peter), Danny (Melissa), Rose Marie Gill (George), Peter (Helen), sister-in-law Barb, along with a host of special nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Time spent with Loretta was a special gift. The impact she had upon us will live on in those who were blessed to have her in our lives. We know she is smiling down from Heaven.

A favourite poem Loretta would recite to her grandchildren as she pushed them on a swing:

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall.

Till I can see so wide,

River and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside-

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown-

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). If so desired, donations in Loretta's memory can be made (payable by cheque or online) to her favourite charity, the Salvation Army. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Gledhill family.