It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Gladys Elian on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at the age of 91. Cherished mother to Sandra (Bernardo). Doting grandmother to Brendon and Sophia. Loving sister to David McNaught and predeceased by Evelyn Kosterski.
Gladys was born in a small town in Saskatchewan, and as a child lived through the Great Depression. Faith in God was an important part of her early years, and became the foundation for her life. She started playing piano at a young age, and it was a central part of her many activities.
At 18 Gladys moved to Hamilton, Ontario. She became a kindergarten teacher, and teaching was her lifelong passion. She was involved with her church, and served as pianist for many years. She loved to design and make her own clothes and hats, arrange flowers and paint. She had a natural curiosity for life, and began travelling to different countries in her 20s.
After teaching for many years Gladys met and married William Elian, and moved back to Saskatchewan to live on the farm. She adored farm life, gardening and driving her treasured Gleaner combine (with Sandra in a laundry basket behind her).
After William’s passing, she moved to Saskatoon and then back to Hamilton, where she resumed teaching. Gladys attended Buchanan Park Free Methodist Church, where over the years she was organist, pianist, and led the decorating committee. She developed health issues and lived with chronic pain, but bore it all with a positive attitude. She spent her final years at Idlewyld Manor, across the street from a school where she had taught, in a room with a lovely view of trees and a garden.
Gladys will eventually be laid to rest in Saskatchewan, with her beloved William. There will be a funeral service in the future, after the restrictions from the Covid pandemic have eased, and we will share the details when it has been arranged.
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