Gladys Leona Ashford

Gladys Leona Ashford of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at Dartmouth General Hospital Palliative Care. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Gladys was happily married to Donald Ashford for 63 years.

Gladys was a devoted and compassionate woman — strong, brave, and determined. She never complained, always took life in stride, and greeted each day with a positive, understanding spirit and a pleasant disposition. A beautiful singer and talented pianist, she loved music and shared that joy with family and friends throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy Spicer (Leeland); grandchildren Christa Spicer, Heather Somerton (Bernie), Craig Spicer (Julie), and Sara-Jane Wilson; and great-grandchildren Kristopher Somerton, Rachel Spicer, Laurence Spicer, Faith Somerton, and Jake MacKay. Gladys is also survived by her brother Marshall, her sister Margaret Gray, and many nieces and nephews.

Gladys was predeceased by her husband Donald Ashford; daughter Donna Ashford; parents George and Helen Gray; sisters Dora Gray, Marie (Gray) Billard, Verna (Gray) Myatt, Gloria (Gray) Stoner, and Helen (Gray) Smith; and brothers Gordon, Arthur, Herman, Wallace, and Glen Gray.

Throughout her life Gladys cared for households — including one on Sambro Island in her younger years — and later worked with Hotel Nova Scotia and Maritime Tel & Tel. She was a steadfast support to Donald as his partner in life and in his business, Don Ashford Sales. Gladys followed her daughters’ activities closely, sewed clothing for her family as a skilled seamstress, and kept up with the world by reading The Chronicle Herald newspaper every day. Her favourite pastimes included knitting, crossword puzzles, and card games (she was a card shark); she also enjoyed watching hockey, golf, and curling and knew many of the players and their standings. Gladys and Don lived in Halifax, St. John’s, Vancouver, and Montreal, and they spent many winters in Florida visiting family and enjoying warmer weather. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker, famous for her fish and salt fish dinners that were enjoyed by many. No matter where she was or what she was doing, she always looked her best!

Special thanks are extended to the staff at Jamieson Hall Parkland at The Lakes for making Gladys’s stay comfortable and for the friendships she formed there. The family also appreciates the kind care provided by the staff of 5 East, Dartmouth General Hospital, during her palliative care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11, 2026, at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 0E1, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Stephen Fram officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will take place in William Black Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LUNGNSPEI or a charity of your choice. The family invites friends and loved ones to remember Gladys for her warmth, musical gifts, steady courage, and the love she gave so freely.