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Gloria Visser-Niven Obituary
Surrounded by love and her family, Gloria Visser-Niven passed away peacefully at Chinook Hospice on Monday, November 25, 2024, following a year-long journey with cancer. Known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and faith, Gloria was a source of happiness to all who knew her.
Gloria’s greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She is survived by her loving husband Jud and wonderful sons, Ben and Ethan, her parents, Tina and Harry Visser, brother, Jim Visser (sister-in-law, Joyce), niece, Leon and nephew, Spencer, sister, Leanne (brother-in-law, James), nieces, Samara and Hadley. Her memory will also be held dear by her countless friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know her.
Gloria loved to learn and had a sharp intellect and insatiable curiosity about the world around her. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alberta, followed by a Bachelor of Journalism and Communications at the University of Regina. After graduation, her first job was being a TV news reporter/anchor in Yorkton. It was in Yorkton she met Jud, where they both worked for the local media outlets. They fell in love, got engaged and were married on May 20, 1995. After Gloria and Jud moved to Calgary in 2003, she was drawn to work where she could be in service to others while raising their young family. She held several communication positions – Samaritan’s Purse Canada, Alzheimer Society of Calgary and Calgary and Area Children’s Services – before joining the University of Calgary in 2013. There she helped academics and leaders in the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Science tell their stories. In November 2021, her career culminated with her dream job at Mount Royal University where Gloria was thrilled to become its Director of Communications.
Gloria loved to read, travel, cook, bake, laugh, listen, and spend time with family and friends. A storyteller and story-listener, she will be remembered for her wit, unshakable optimism, and compassionate wisdom. She was a real go-getter and curious about everything (from politics to science to arts). Nothing made Gloria happier than being with family for holidays and vacations and going for walks with friends and her beloved dog Compass. She was a fierce champion for her children, supporting, loving and encouraging them to flourish. Alongside Jud, she helped them grow into thoughtful and compassionate young men. She had a unique ability to bring people together and a genuine desire to lift others up at home and at work.
Gloria’s life was enriched by her close-knit family, her community of faith, and the enduring friendships she nurtured. Gloria was very grounded in her faith and knew God was right beside her for all things in life and particularly her cancer journey. She drew strength and comfort from her faith in God. In this last year, she gave and received so much love. A week before her passing Gloria was able to express her gratitude and love for friends and family openly and honestly at a living celebration of her life. She showed us all how to accept challenges with immense grace, courage, and good humour. In her words, “Throughout this whole journey, I never, ever felt alone.”
Gloria was a beacon of love, kindness, and resilience and will be deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues who were all blessed to have her in their lives. Gloria’s bright light will continue to shine in the hearts of all those she touched.
The family extends immense gratitude to the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Foothills Hospital for the care and support they received this past year. Special thanks to the hospice team at Chinook Hospice who went above and beyond to make Gloria’s last days peaceful and comfortable.
A Funeral Service will be held at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church (3020 51 St SW) on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice in her memory. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Gloria’s family through www.evanjstrong.com.
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March 12 1968 November 25 2024 56 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta
death notice Gloria Visser-Niven March 12 1968 November 25 2024 56 Years Old
obituaries notice Gloria Visser-Niven March 12 1968 November 25 2024 56 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gloria Visser-Niven March 12 1968 November 25 2024 56 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
