It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Mary Ann (nee Balaberda) Walters on June 22, 2013 in Victoria, BC at the age of 68. She passed away suddenly but peacefully in the presence of family after a recent diagnosis of cancer.
Gladys is survived by her children, Tannis and Jarret Walters, her son-in-law Todd Gillick, her grandsons, Marcus, Benjamin and Kyle and former husband Warren Gary. Born to Claude and Josephine Balaberda in Melville, Saskatchewan, Gladys was the seventh of 15 children. As the first of her siblings to pass, Gladys will pave the way for the six brothers and eight sisters who loved her dearly. Gladys was adored and admired by all and will be deeply missed by the friends and family she leaves behind.
Gladys was a hard working, professional and dedicated career woman. She attended a technical school in Regina, Saskatchewan and graduated as an x-ray technician in 1965, later settling on a career as an ultrasound technologist. Throughout her career she worked at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Yorkton Regional Hospital, MSA Hospital in Abbotsford, Mission Memorial Hospital and Saanich Peninsula Hospital, retiring in 2009. Gladys was also a successful Mary Kay beauty consultant who enjoyed making women look and feel good.
Gladys lived a very active lifestyle; she enjoyed curling, golfing and walking with friends. She loved travelling and always looked forward to her next adventure. Gladys was a devoted Catholic with a warm and generous heart who will always be remembered as very spiritual and loving person.
A Mass to celebrate Gladys’ life will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, June 27th at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency or Victoria Hospice.
The family is very grateful for all those who assisted and supported Gladys in her final days. Condolences may be offered below.
www.mccallbros.com
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Faye (Rowe) Harrison
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Joan Dalgleish Tannis and Jarrett, I am so very sorry to here about your Mom. I worked with her for many years at MSA Hospital and at Mission Hospital and I always called her Glady because that’s who she was to me, a truly lovely person inside and out, who I was lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest sympathy to you both and the rest of the family.
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Brenda & Gordon Herman & Maxine Walters We were very sad to hear of Auntie Gladys’ sudden passing. She was always a thoughtful and caring individual and always took time to stop by to see mom and dad when she came back to Melville for a visit.
Our sincere condolences,
Brenda, Gord and Maxine
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Norm & Irene Vickers So sorry to hear of Gladys’ passing. We worked together at the Medical Arts Clinic in Regina some 48 years ago. She was a wonderful person and a good friend. We still kept in touch – we’ll miss her annual Christmas card. Our sincere condolences.
Norm & Irene Vickers
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Gayle Tomchuk To the family,
I wish to offer my condolences on behalf of Ken and I. I remember your mother as a feisty woman. She accomplished a lot in her career. May God Bless your families now. Ken Gayle Tomchuk
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Dr. Bob Steger. Tanis and Jarrett, with a very heavy heart, I am so sorry about your mother. Enjoyed many years working with Gladys at Mission Hospital. She always had a positive, cheerful attitude, and no one could be more kind and caring.
To know her was to love her.
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Olive Brown I sorrow with you in your loss. Gladys was a kind and gracious co-worker and loving mother. It was a privilege to get to know her.
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Pat and Larry McCarty Tannis Todd and kids
We are so sorry about your mom and Grandma
we of course never met your mom but heard many wonderful
things about her from my sis Linda
We are just so sorry you have to go thru this so soon about your dad Bill passed on Todd. It is very hard.
You have many wonderful memories so keep those close
we love you all
Larry and Pat
Springfield Mo , USA
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Heather Hall I worked with Gladys at Mission Hospital. Even when life wasn’t going smoothly, I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone or anything. Although your mother, grandmother, sister, & friend died far too young. she left her indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
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Judy Mann Dear Tanis and Jarrett
When Auntie Merle called and told me that Auntie Gladys had passed away I was very sad. I have great memories of visiting with her when she came to Melville. She always made a point of looking us up so we could get together. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both. Take care of each other and hopefully we can keep in touch
From all the Walters in Melville – Hazel, Susan, Cherylynn, Judy, Shannon and Barton and their families
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Ramona and Marc Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Gladys was a beautiful person with a kind heart. She will be missed.
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Bill and Susan McElroy This is a sad time and words just never seem to convey an adequate message. We’re thinking about you Tannis and your family. The loss of a parent sets us on a path that we walk alone even though we are in the company of others. We are thinking of you and hope you find comfort and solace in the love of your family and friends.
Bill and Susan
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Don and Mary Donner and family Dear Tannis and Todd and Family,
Our sincere sympathies to all of you. Although we never met her she sounds like she wan an amazing women and I am sure she will be deeply missed by everyone, but especially you Tannis. We are with you in thoughts and prayers.
Sending much love – Don and Mary
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Hazen and Janis Dear Tannis Todd, Ben, Kyle, Marcus and Jarrett,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting her, her legacy will live on in her beautiful daughter, son and grandchildren. She loved and lived life to the fullest. So smart, so talented and so adventurous. A life well lived. There is a new, bright and shining star in heaven.
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Please feel very hugged.Sending much love, Hazen and Janis xoxo
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Sharon B. I will miss beautiful Gladys!
Her caring heart, bright smile and comforting hugs.
It was a gift to have known her, and I will cherish those memories.I will keep her family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Blessings, Sharon B.
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Cheryl Miller Tannis…so sorry about the loss of your Mom our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Dennis and Linda Alberts Life is so fragile and loss can be so sudden. Gladys was such a beautiful and spiritual person inside and out. She loved her family and protected them dearly. It was her everlasting love and strong connection to family that will comfort you and give you peace. Her time on earth is finished but her love will live on in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life.
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Barb Aldridge Our deepest sympathy to your family Tannis. Your Mom was truly a special person and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. RIP dear friend.
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Ann Scobie Tannis & Jarrett
I want to extend my condolences to you both. I feel very sad about your Mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend and we had so many good times together. I just felt we had more time to do things together. We talked about going to the Brier next year and so on. She was so proud of both of you and loved you dearly. All the best to you and your family. I am sure all the good times you had with her will help you over the next few months.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Scobie
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Rose and Rick Hampson Our prayers and thoughts are with at this sad time.
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Lene Kroll My deepest sympathy to all the family for having lost such a lovely sunny soul.
I really enjoyed working with Gladys in Mission and our walks and talks.
Her smile will always be with me and I am sure she is brightening up another place in the beyond.
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Chris and Sarah Bradbury We worked with Gladys for many years in Victoria. A joyful disposition, caring heart, and always a kind word to say about all others. We feel fortunate to have been part of this wonderful person’s life.
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Val Trapler Thoughts of deep and sincere sympathy are with you at this time.
Val Trapler
Lesley’s mother in law
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Loureen and Bob Tuomi Gladys was a lovely gentle woman who deserved more time to do all the things she loved. She will be greatly missed.
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Keith and Terra Bowden We are very sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith , Terra, Jeremy, Isabelle Bowden
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Joyce Burton My prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow
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Keith and Terra Bowden WE are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
Keith , Terra, Jeremy and Isabelle Bowden
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Nancy Cline My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Gladys was loved by all who knew her.
Nancy Cline
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Corinne Beaupre Gladys was such a lovely lady. We enjoyed working with her.She was so concientous and the patients loved her. I had a great trip to Hawaii with her a year ago. She was such fun. I will miss her greatly.
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Dianne I’m deeply saddened at Gladys passing, and far too soon.
When I think of Gladys I see her ready smile and her generous spirit.Gladys is no longer suffering with the pain and we have a beautiful Angel in Heaven. I believe she is looking down on her precious family.
With love,
Dianne
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Sue Brayton Dear Tanis and Jarrett,
How sorry I am that you’ve both lost your mom so early in life.
So grateful, however, that she went easily into the Lord’s arms.
My prayers are with you both, and the family, now as you all go through these difficult days.
Love,
Sue
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Mel Quevillon and Luke Seewald Our hearts are aching for you all. Sending you much love from London.
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Nicola and Mark Levstik Our thoughts are with you, Tannis and the rest of your family during this difficult time!
We are truly sorry for your loss!
Warmly,
Nicola and Mark Levstik
Dear Tannis and Jarrett:
It is with a sad heart that I send my condolences on the death of your dear Mom, Gladys.
I worked with Gladys at MSA hospital for many years. She was a kind, gentle spirit who was a joy to work with.
I am so sorry for you that she was taken at such a young age but rest assured that she is in a far better place.