Gladys Taylor

      In the song of life, Gladys Taylor was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Gladys preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Gladys believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Gladys perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Gladys was born on August 9, 1939 at Grandview Hospital in Grandview, Manitoba. Her parents were Samuel and Mary Symbalisty. Gladys was raised on her parents farm, 17 miles away from Grandview, Manitoba. As a young child, Gladys was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Gladys rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Gladys showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with 8 siblings, from oldest to youngest: Jake, Ann, Morris, Andrew, Bill, Isabel, Margaret and Eugene. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Gladys developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Gladys liked concrete things. Growing up, Gladys took part in playing baseball and soccer. However, to Gladys, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in her school years, Gladys showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Gladys with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Gladys had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

      Gladys found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was a waitress and helping at a Senior's Residence. Gladys tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Gladys enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were spending time on the computer and gardening. Gladys was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Gladys liked sports and her recreational sports included golf. Gladys was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football.

      Because she loved the world around her, Gladys enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Gladys put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included Reno and Vancouver Island.

      Gladys was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Gladys’s favorites were dogs, and any type of dogs! Especially "lap dogs". They were all best friends for Gladys she has owned various dogs all her life! Her family was rounded out by her budgies.

      When Gladys’s retirement finally arrived in 1996, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Kelowna, BC. In retirement, she found new pleasure in golfing. Even in retirement, Gladys continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

      Gladys passed away on August 17, 2014 at Kelowna General Hospital. Gladys fought a brave battle against heart and lung disease. She is survived by her husband Jim and 3 step children, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Services were held at First Memorial Funeral Services. Gladys was laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, Kelowna, BC.

      Gladys was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Gladys always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Gladys was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Gladys Taylor.

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On August 17, 2014 Gladys Taylor passed away peacefully at the Kelowna General Hospital. Her husband Jim and other family member and friends will gather to honour her at a service on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 12:00 noon at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC. Viewing will be held just prior to service time. Burial will follow at the Kelowna Memorial Park cemetery where Gladys will be laid to rest. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of the staff in the ICU Unit at KGH and Dr. Rolf, for all of their care and compassion. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com and searching her name under stories. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC ph: 250-762-2299.