Obituary
Gladys V. Monkman (nee Thomas)
February 28,1926 – November 4, 2020
Peacefully, Gladys Monkman, passed in her 94th year in Selkirk, Manitoba. Mom was born in Stony Point, into the extraordinarily loving and caring family of Mary-Ann and Henry George Thomas.
She is predeceased by her husband Garfield; daughter Eileen; son Curtis; father Henry George; mother Mary-Ann; brothers Harold, Norman, Rueben, Gordon, Gerald, and John; sisters Emily, Mildred, Phyllis, Florence, Dorothy, and Mabel. She is lovingly remembered by her children Belle (Art) Pierce; Marie; Bud (Gail); Peg (Bill) Swanton; Bob (Kelly); and Kathy; her 18 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews of the Thomas and Monkman families.
She married our Dad in 1946 and moved to Loon Straits on Lake Winnipeg. As the wife of a daring bush pilot and commercial fisherman in Northern Manitoba (Victoria Beach, Island Lake, Grand Rapids, Matheson Island) she had an interesting, adventurous, albeit hardworking life. During her lifetime she accumulated a wide and varied circle of friends of all ages and walks of life. Her life accomplishments centred around her service to others, especially in support of Family and Church. Mom’s faith in God never wavered. She was active in the religious community wherever she lived. She was a good and loving mother, constantly teaching us and attempting to add some etiquette to our wild life. Mom was a smart woman, she knew what was going on in the world and got to see a bit of it herself. In early years her and Dad would travel to the U.S. to tourism shows to solicit business for their fly-in fishing lodge at Washihagan Lake. They also travelled to England, Scotland and Ireland. She loved trips to Hawaii and she loved the Caribbean cruise for her granddaughter’s wedding. But her favourite trip was the tour of the Holy Land. Mom was independent, she worked outside the home, drove her own car and lived in her own condo until late in life. To our family, she was our compass and our shelter. She was always available to us. We were blessed to have had her in our lives for so long.
Rest In Peace Mom. We know you are truly happy where you are now.
Flowers gratefully declined. Should friends desire, donations may be made to Selkirk Gospel Chapel, 211 Eaton Ave., Selkirk, MB, R1A 0W7. Mom will be laid to rest at Loon Straits.
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gladys Monkman November 4 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba