It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandma and Friend, Gladys Haddon (nee Chomiak) on June 23, 2021 at the age of 77. Gladys fought a long, hard battle with pancreatic
cancer and passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Gladys was brave and selfless and met the challenges of illness with unwavering dignity and strength.
Gladys was born in Burnaby on May 23, 1944 and had resided in the area her entire life. She married her high school sweetheart Bob in 1963, and together they built a beautiful life raising three children. During their 57 year marriage, Bob and Gladys showed us all what a wonderful marriage looked like. Growing up our household was full of love, laughter and fun. Gladys loved to entertain and provided numerous delicious meals and memorable parties to all her friends.
As a mother, Gladys rose above. She was supportive, honest, caring and generous. She was a stay at home mom who always put her children first. Not a school activity or sporting event did she miss.
Once Debbie had an impromptu graduation party that went into the wee hours. Mom was up early the next morning cooking up a storm of bacon, eggs, pancakes, etc. for about 25 teenagers.
We were lucky to call her mom but honoured to call her a friend as we grew into adults.
Gladys touched so many peoples lives, in so many ways. She had a wonderful group of friends that adored her. Her weekly date with the Bridge ladies or aerobic classes at Bonsor brought her great joy. Her quick wit, compassion and wired sense of humour, endeared her to many. Old pals from childhood, new friends met along the way and kind neighbours, truly enriched her life. Wherever Gladys went, others would gravitate toward her. She was loyal, kind, loving, caring, selfless, beautiful and thoughtful. She had a way of making others feel extra special.
Bob and Gladys did find some time to travel to warm climates. Hawaii for their 25th anniversary, Mexico and Cuba. Many trips around BC and Washington State with their good friends.
But they most enjoyed the waters around the Lower Mainland in one of their many boats, swimming and skiing. Years of happy times at the “wharf” near Belcarra, the Vancouver Water ski club and Ruby Lake. As a family, we’ve been going to Ruby Lake for over 25 years. Incredible that we all get along so well and look forward to it every July. Mom created that closeness.
Gladys had a soft spot for many animals, but especially cats. For most of our childhood there was always a cat or two present. Once we had a stray cat for weeks that eventually was found to live in Calgary. A girlfriend dropped off a black kitten, knowing that Gladys would take it in. She even bought Jacob and Marcus their first cat Chachi. A surprised Deanna eventually learned to love kitties too.
Another enjoyment in the Haddon household was games! Crib, Bridge, Rummy, Whist, 31, Solitaire, Rummoli, Ace to King. Bob and Gladys would have a game or two every day, of cards that is. He would leave the Scrabble and Boggle to the ladies. Billiards and Ping Pong in the basement was always played with Gladys turning on the old record player and listening to her 45’s and old albums. Dancing would most likely follow, as the grand kids can vouch for.
And speaking of grandkids, being a Grandma was Gladys’s favourite title. Alexa, Brayden, Jacob, Marcus and Ryan were the light of her life. She took the time to love, teach and listen to each child and in return they absolutely adored her. Us kids can’t thank you enough for being in our children’s lives. You took care of them through their most impressionable years, and because of this, you had such an influence on who they are today. You taught them how to have fun! Gma was the crazy grandma. Playing soccer, frisbee, swimming, singing, dancing, reading, skating. You at tended all their sporting events, celebrated each birthday, graduation and accomplishment, cheering them on in true Gladys fashion. You were there with encouragement or a hug, and always so proud. The memories will last forever.
Gladys fought the hardest battle of her life for close to 3 years. We all admired her strength and determination, and through it all, she never complained. She just kept pushing through with her positive attitude, saying “it could be worse, and there are others worse off than me”. This is the core of who Gladys was. She appreciated everything she had in her life, and always put others ahead of herself. She was strong and courageous and a true inspiration to us all.
Survived by and mourning her loss are her loving husband of 57 years, Bob Haddon; her three children Debbie, Rhonda (Kerby), Bob Jr. (Deanna); Her brother Bill and her precious grandchildren Alexa, Brayden, Jacob, Marcus and Ryan.
Us kids are truly grateful to our dad who showed immense love, strength and devotion as he cared for our mom at home, up until her last 2 weeks, because that’s what she wanted. To be in her home, close to her husband. And dad would have had it no other way. Their love for each other was definitely out of this world and one of a kind.
We would like to acknowledge and say a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody, who did an amazing job taking care of our mother.
Gladys will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in Peace, Mom. xoxo
A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep
(Author Unknown)
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gladys Haddon Wednesday June 23rd 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique