In her one hundredth year, our beloved mother passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of March 14, 2020.
Gladys was born in southern Saskatchewan and grew up on the Hawkins family farm. She remained a prairie girl her entire life reveling in the beauty of the open spaces and broad skies. During World War II, Gladys worked at a plant in Toronto, in support of Canada’s war effort. In 1946 she married Ewen McKenzie when he returned from service overseas. Ewen was a teacher and they moved many times, raising their family in Rouen, Saskatoon, Fife Lake, Tuxford, Glenside, and Conquest. Gladys returned to school in the late 1960s and earned a teaching degree. She taught several years with Ewen in Conquest, retiring to Moose Jaw in 1973. Gladys moved to Winnipeg in 2011 to be closer to family.
Gladys enjoyed painting throughout her life and was pleased to have her work recognized in the holdings of the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery and in many private collections across the country. In Moose Jaw, Gladys was an active member of the Art Guild, Scottish Society, Minto United Church, and a founding member of Crestview Manor Housing Co-op.
Gladys was predeceased by Ewen, parents Phoebe and Tom, brothers Sam, Tom and David. She is survived by Charles (Carole), Ruth and Murray (Pam); grandchildren Katie (Brennan), Laura (Chris), Evan (Noriko), Ginger (John), and Laurie; great-grandchildren Owen, Isla, Kaede, Gavin, Anabelle; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Our family would like to thank the staff of West Park Manor for their kind and loving care of Mom over the last four years.
A private interment will occur at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gladys McKenzie Friday March 20th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
RIP Aunt Gladys. I am sad to hear of the loss my Aunt Gladys. I loved her to pieces. She had the best personality, sense of humor and loved everyone. She was a wonderful artist. So glad she live such a warm, happy long life. We are so lucky to have had her with us for 100 years. Rest in peace Aunt Gladys.
Xoxo
Louise ((Douglas), Peter Guenther & family