Miss you so much my friend. You are often in my thoughts and prayers.  Rest in Peace .

Gloria was a very determined courageous woman. She fought a long and hard battle with cancer trying her best to beat it but in the end it was not to be. Gloria never felt sorry for herself or said “Why me?”
but rather tried to keep a positive outlook always looking ahead. She would mention how unfortunate some of the younger patients undergoing chemotherapy were, never having lived life like she had. 



Gloria was born on April 1, 1954 in Neudorf, Saskatchewan to Herbert and Doreen Jahnke. She has two younger sisters, Noreen and Cheryl.
Gloria was predeceased by her older brother Dennis and her father Herbert. Doreen remarried Ferdinand Hack and a sister, Denise and a brother, Brent were born into the family. Gloria grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan and attended Central School, Melville High and graduated grade twelve from the Comprehensive High. After high school she attended Robertson’s Secretarial School in Saskatoon where she received her Legal Secretary Diploma. Gloria and her husband Rob moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1978. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Sherry and sons Gary, James and Kenneth. Gloria loved her children and was very proud of them. She really enjoyed her grandchildren, Zachary, Chiara, Brianna and Connall. Gloria loved each moment she was able to spend with them.
Gloria will certainly be remembered for having the gift of gab! She was a fountain of knowledge and she enjoyed sharing that knowledge with family and friends and frankly with anyone who was around to listen. If you had ever tried watching a movie with Gloria, she probably would have provided you with a running commentary of the show. She did keep one entertained with her tidbits of information. 



In Gloria’s younger years she enjoyed spending time with her great-grandmother “Granny Bachmann”. Gloria used to describe her as a feisty little woman who was very independent and strong in her faith.
“Granny” lived a long life almost reaching 100 years and Gloria’s goal was to continue the longevity and surpass her age. Good times were spent with sisters Noreen and Cheryl as they enjoyed summer holidays at their Grandma and Grandpa Jahnke’s in Killaly. Each morning they would awake to find a few coins by their plates that they used at the general store, pouring over the comic books and penny candy deciding what to buy and sharing it later. Gloria enjoyed many memorable moments visiting with her many aunts, uncles and cousins including holidays that were spent up in Saskatoon with Aunt Clara and Uncle Tony. Gloria was an avid reader from an early age. When it was time for lights out at night she still would find a way to read either by the street light shining in the bedroom window or by a flashlight hidden under the covers. Gloria was not lucky to have curly hair like the rest of the family so in order to achieve the same look; she endured many a home “Toni” that mom seemed to give her right before school picture day! Gloria was ever the big sister to Denise and Brent always getting them to do little errands for her. Denise and Brent will always remember the summers spent at their cabin at Ivy Heights and the one quick trip home a few hours later when Brent became homesick! 



Gloria loved to travel and was finally able to get away on a few trips. In the summer of 2007, she flew to the Netherlands taking a side trip to Germany to get in touch with her family heritage. After a setback and a few sessions of chemotherapy she ventured on a Caribbean cruise enjoying every minute on the ship and the many ports of call along the way. Even though her hair began to fall out during the cruise, she made light of the situation joking that she was leaving a piece of her behind at every port! Gloria’s career came to an early end in August 2009 when due to her health she left Precision Drilling.
Though she took pride in her work and found it hard to leave her many colleagues and friends she turned it into an opportunity to continue her travel. Her big dream came true when she flew to Greece with Mom and Cheryl to visit our sister, Denise and her family. She never let her condition slow her down as she managed the big climb to the top of the Acropolis at Lindos. While at the resort on the Island of Rhodes she enjoyed the warm sun and relaxing atmosphere. Gloria loved it so much that her plan was to return this summer. Her fascination with the culture and her extensive knowledge of Greek history captivated the people of Kastri which lead our entrepreneurial brother-in-law John, to joke that he was going to start a business and hire Gloria as the tour guide. If the Greek people didn’t know their own history, Gloria was determined to enlighten them. 



Gloria was an optimist and though her physical energy began to fade her spirit never did! Her favorite time of the year was Christmas and she was able to enjoy what was to be her final Christmas surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Gloria was able to give each of her children a birthday greeting in 2010 but never reached her own birthday. Gloria also wasn’t able to take her last trip, a trip to Cuba with relatives, but she sure tried. She made it as far as Toronto, by herself, and was still able to spend time with her son, Gary. Gloria left on her terms and passed away trying to live her life to the very end. 



Gloria, you will be missed but never forgotten. You are loved by your family forever. Your pain is now gone, rest in peace.



May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Brent 
I was so sorry to hear about your sister - my heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
As you know I had the privilege of meeting Gloria last December and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and chatting with her about her family and the oil patch. I pray that God would comfort you and your family through this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,

Janet Irwin

I remember cousin Gloria from the days we played together on the farm near Killaly, and yes she was a strong independent person even then. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.  -Norm

I remember Gloria as a driven little girl, but always full of surprises, then as a responsible loving teenager. Some how I lost touch with her over the years but kept up on her life through my aunt, her mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, as you go through this difficult time.
 Her cousin, Lorna

Sherry
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficlut time.  I remember your Mom with fondness of our times together at Crooked Lake and Melville, and at your Dad's birthday. My deepest sympathy for you and your family.

I was so sorry to hear of Gloria's passing.  I remember and will cherish our childhood days together spending time during summer vacation with Gloria and her family in Melville.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.

Just want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this difficult time.

Gloria was an inspiration to us all. She met adversity with a smile & a laugh. I will miss our chats & visits. You were an awesome lady & a fantastic friend & coworker.
My thoughts & prayers are with her family at this sad time. May the memory of Gloria's smile & courage make your loss a bit easier as time goes by.
Until we meet again my friend.
Your buddy at Precision Drilling Payroll

Gary, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May your mom's memory will give you strenght and comfort at this time. God bless you and take care!

OBITUARY

Gloria Jean Taylor

April 1, 1954 – February 13, 2010

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Past Services

Lutheran Family Prayer Service

Funeral Service

Interment