Gladys Ivy Rafter (nee Pearce) passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital, November 28, 2016 with her three children, Tim, Cheryl, Laurie and her son-in-law John by her side. Gladys was born in Edmonton, Alberta. She was predeceased in 1982 by her loving husband of 29 years, Tom Rafter, her mom and dad, Jessie and Thomas Pearce, and siblings Margaret, Art and Lillian. Gladys will be missed immensely by her sisters Dorothy and Barbara as well as sons-in-law John Fisher and Mark Bonten, grandchildren Tatiana, Rhys, Maverick, Cailin, numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
Gladys lived in many cities in Western Canada throughout her lifetime, moving with each promotion her husband Tom accepted with his work. Gladys and Tom settled back to Victoria in 1980. Gladys was a talented tap dancer, singer and majorette. Her childhood years were spent tap dancing with her siblings, baton twirling with the Edmonton School Boys’ Band and the Edmonton Eskimos Majorette Squad. She often spoke of the thrill she had travelling to the Grey Cup game in Toronto as an Edmonton Eskimos Majorette. Gladys loved the world of highland dancing and also loved sports, cheering on her children at all their events. Even into her 80’s, Gladys volunteered long hours at the ScotDance Canada Championship Series events in Vancouver and Victoria. Gladys was extremely proud of all her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Gladys loved to sing in church choirs with her husband Tom, entertain at home (we will miss your baking mom!!) sew, knit, crochet, tackle crossword puzzles, garden, attend craft fairs and church bazaars. She loved the symphony and musical theatre events. Gladys also loved to play golf and bridge at Uplands Golf Club where she was a member for 32 years. She was an avid Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and of course, Edmonton Eskimos fan. Gladys worked at the University of Alberta in the Bursar’s office early in her life and at the Manitoba Teacher’s Society during her years in Winnipeg.
The family would like to thank our relatives and Gladys’ friends for their thoughtfulness and friendship, the medical staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their care and compassion, and the staff at Home Instead Senior Care, especially Diane, who held a special place in Gladys’ heart. Mom, you are at peace now. Your love, strength, fierce independence, spirited disposition and courage will always be remembered. We all love you and will miss you “til we meet again”.
A memorial service will be held in Gladys’ honour on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 2:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria BC, 930 Burdett Avenue. A reception to follow will be held at Christ Church Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C. or to Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria BC.
RSVP to the following email address regarding attending the reception following the service: gladysraftermemorial@hotmail.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Betsi Davis
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Donna Cram I remember a spirited ‘dance mom’, who relished her daughters’ talents and success in Highland Dance. Gladys was a talented seamstress and always had great tips on washing tartan hose or even the girls’ kilts! She was a wonderful hostess and welcomed us into her home when we were in Victoria for the SDCCS event, where she was a busy volunteer. So many great memories….she was passionate about her family and all she participated in!
Heartfelt condolences to the Rafter family. I will think of her often and with great love and affection remembering so many years on Eastdowne.