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.
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33 Responses
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
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.
Tannis…so sorry about the loss of your Mom our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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.
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.
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
Our prayers and thoughts are with at this sad time.
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.
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.
Thoughts of deep and sincere sympathy are with you at this time.
Val Trapler
Lesley’s mother in law