Our Mom, Gladys Winnifred Miller, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on November 23, 2018. Her health had taken a sharp decline in recent weeks and she was hospitalized for assessment, but by the second day, God received her to her heavenly home. We can picture our Dad, standing “just inside the Eastern Gate” of the heavenly Jerusalem, waiting to welcome her home – just like he promised.
Gladys was born on September 26, 1931 in Nanaimo, BC. Her great hope was centered in her relationship with Jesus, who became her personal Lord and Saviour early in life. Her youth was spent in Nanaimo, New Westminster, and Maple Ridge where she developed a love for the church. She taught Sunday School, played the piano, and led youth groups. In her lifetime, Gladys served innumerable meals, devoting herself to the practical needs of so many individuals with her hallmark hospitality and inviting home.
In 1956 while working in Victoria, Gladys met Roy Miller, a shy Saskatchewan farm boy stationed in Victoria with the Canadian Artillery. In 1957, they were married and launched into an adventure of following God’s leading for their lives and family. Roy and Gladys held serving roles in three different Christian ministries – Kings Garden (now Christa Ministries) in Seattle; Dessie Scott Orphanage in Kentucky, and at Prairie Bible College. In 1967, they returned to Victoria which remained their home. They were very involved as volunteers with World Vision, Shantyman’s Christian Association, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Far East Broadcasting. In addition to a few years as foster parents, Gladys and Roy’s home was always open to visiting missionaries and other guests.
In time came many years of physical suffering for Roy. Gladys responded with faithful – often heroic – care for him. Roy passed away in 1995. Gladys is survived by her sister Anita Troop, who lived with her for the past twenty-three years. Together, they offered encouragement, hospitality, and intercession to many. Their Mary-and-Martha-like personalities blended to bless many, many lives.
Gladys is also predeceased by her parents Captain Maurice and Edith Troop and brothers Leslie (Eileen) and Ells (Margaret). Gladys was a devoted mother to her three children: Darrell (Ray Ann), Jean-Marie, and Brent (Lana). Gladys also delighted in her fourteen grandchildren and their spouses and looked for ways to invest in their lives: Lindsay (Chuck), Jennie (Yuri), and William; Marina, Rhys, Ashley, Clarke, Preston, Rhoan, Austin, Luccia; Nikolas (Jolayne), Nathan, Natalie, and Nolan. Of special delight to Gladys was to be great-grandmother to Chloe and Myles.
Empowered by the grace of God, Gladys’ gifts shone brightly for many years. But in recent weeks, like a sinking sunset, Gladys’ life-light here on earth set quickly and was gone. Yet we are assured by God’s Word that she has awoken to a glorious eternity of praising the Lord she loves.
Day is dying in the west
Heav’n is touching earth with rest
Wait and worship while the night
Sets her evening lamps alight
Through all the sky
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts
Heav’n and earth are full of Thee
Heav’n and earth are praising Thee
O Lord, most high
There will be no Funeral Service by request.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ministry of Compassionate Resource Warehouse – online at www.crwarehouse.ca or by phone at 250-381-4483.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Cathy your the hairdresser
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Terry and Joanne Kniert Deepest sympathies to you all. We are thankful to have known Gladys, primarily from our Parkdale years. In the years following, it was always wonderful to run into her from time to time, usually with Anita by her side. Your Mom was always cheerful and positive, with a quick smile and a little laugh. She recognized (like most of us!) that things in this life don’t always turn out as we hoped but she was willing to make the most each situation and jump into the fray. What a rich heritage of kindness and faith she has left for you all.
With love, Joanne and Terry Kniert
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Gavidia Family To the Miller Family,
We met Gladys and Roy at Central Baptist Church many years ago. As new immigrants to Canada we felt welcomed by this couple. We have been friends with the Millers and Anita since then. We offer condolences to the family in this time of mourning. Gladys loved speaking of her faith and family. We have many memories of Gladys. Gladys was family to us. God bless you in this difficult time.
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John & Rona Although death is a natural part of life, the grief of family and friends is so real. The world has lost a precious witness of our God and Father. Yet, we know that Gladys is free of pain, and suffering, She is with her Lord,Jesus Christ, where there is joy unspeakable.
Our love and prayers for comfort go out to all the family of Gladys.
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Heather Unruh Brent and family. We are sorry to hear of your mom/grandma’s passing. Grieving is so much work, but we hold you in our prayers. We know she will be missed by you all. We also rejoice with you that she is now at rest in God’s presence forever.
Ken and Heather Unruh
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Anna Margherita Bork I came to know dear Gladys through my precious friend Anita, her sister. I truly praise God for Gladys’ life in the life of so many! During these 29 years of friendship I rejoice and thank God for the ministry of encouragement, hospitality and intercession that Gladys, together with Anita, served so faithfully and wholeheartedly. Always concerned about his/her neighbor, Gladys was always looking for ways to serve, to support and to encourage people to know and seek the Lord.
In the arms of her Father, together with all the family of our God Almighty, she now fully comprehends what is the width and length and depth and height of Christ’s Love; she rejoices and enjoys, without end, all the wonders He prepared for her.
To HIM be the glory!
May His peace and comfort be poured out on each and every heart of her dear family as they wait to meet Gladys and their FATHER for all eternity! With the offering of prayers and fond love, Anna and family
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Clayton and Isobel Dougan Dear Brent and family,
We were saddened to learn that your mother had died yet at the same time able to enter a little into the fact that you have that sure knowledge that she has gone to be with the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ whom she loved and served so faithfully over many years. We have learned to appreciate her over the years since we came to Canada. The friendship seemed to be established particularly during the months before your dad’s passing, May the comforting presence of the Lord Jesus be yours over the days ahead and may you be able to rejoice in our priceless possession, “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1.27).
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Al and Sabrina Orton To the Miller Family
Both myself and my wife are sadden to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember back to when you guys lived just up and across the street from my Mom and Dad on Arm Street.
Your mother was always good to both of my parents as they all aged.
Our most heart felt condolences to all.Al and Sabrina Orton
Rest In Peace Gladys. You are extraordinary lady. I just knew you so a short time but I admire you for having well behaved very good grand children whom I met a couple of time. I m impressed the way you help to bring up these kids. God will take care of you in heaven Gladys. By the way you may have to find another hairdresser in heaven.