Gladys Hilda Poirier

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gladys Poirier.

Gladys was born on December 12, 1934, to John and Anne Hagenauer. When her mom was widowed early on, Gladys and her brother Ed were often cared for by family friends, as Anne worked as housekeeper in a boarding house to support her family. Options for single mothers were few, in those days. When the family re-settled, Gladys thrived in her beloved Edmonton. She had a long career with Woodward’s, packing large grocery orders to be shipped north on barges for many years, before moving on to other departments.

Gladys married Len, her husband of 55 years, just as he was taking a posting with the Canadian Armed Forces in Germany. She was always up for good adventure! Gladys loved to be with family and friends, and was the ultimate hostess, welcoming people into her home and putting on a beautiful spread.

Gladys had a playful spirit. For years, she had the crib games going every weekend with family. She played bingo and roamed casinos, as much for the fun and camaraderie as for the games. Gladys was a regular at the horse races at Northlands. All winter, she would save up her $2 bills, and then use them to place $2 bets on the races during the summer. She dressed up for Klondike Days, in her dancehall dress with feathers in her hair, to enjoy the Sunday promenade downtown.

Gladys was grateful for everything she had. She would listen, patiently and with genuine interest, when people talked about hardships. She always had encouraging words. The family connector, Gladys loved her family, her friends, her home, and her life with Len. Gladys will be lovingly remembered for her great laugh, her flowers, a cold Old Vienna beer on a hot day, pineapple surprise at family dinners, and her genuine love of life.

Predeceased by an infant daughter, her parents, and her brother Ed, Glad is survived by her devoted husband, Len; her brother Richard, her nephews John, Jim, and Bob, niece Barbara and their families; along with many extended family members and friends.