Gladys Marguerite Hawkins Pitcher

Gladys passed away peacefully at Fairview Mennonite Home in her 95th year on March 18, 2011 She has gone to join her beloved husband of 57 years, Donald Pitcher (1913 -1994). Loving mother of Terry Pitcher and wife Madeliene Widmeyer (Kitchener); Donna Baldwin and husband Paul (Chesley); Douglas Pitcher and wife Linda (Preston); and former daughter-in-law, Barbara Pitcher (Preston). She will also be lovingly remembered by her six grandchildren: Steve (Elda) Jones and Michael (Krista) Jones; Jeff (Amy) Pitcher and David Pitcher; Tracy (Matt) Sullivan and Paul (Lori) Pitcher; former granddaughter-in-law Maryann Jones (Tom Resslinghaus) and former granddaughter-in-law Kelly Ouellott; and her eight great-grandchildren: Krista, Craig and Sara Jones; Emily and Rylee Jones; Alex and Ashlyn Pitcher, and Zoe Pitcher. She was predeceased by her parents, Fred Hawkins and Rose Zimmerman, brothers, George, Arthur, and Edward and most recently, her beloved grand-daughter, Susan Pitcher (2009).

Gladys was born and raised in Kitchener where she developed an interest in sports and particularly hockey. She played for nearly ten years with the seven-time Canadian Champion, Preston Rivulettes. She met Don in 1936 between the second and third periods of a hockey game in the Galt Arena. In 1937, they were married in Brantford. Gladys worked hard beside Don in his various, successful business ventures. She was awarded the Paul Harris Award by the Preston – Hespeler Rotary Club. She was a kind, loving and supportive wife and mother. She enjoyed nothing more than playing a high spirited game of Bridge with her friends. She and Don travelled extensively throughout the world. They enjoyed taking their grandchildren on some of these adventures. The kids all have stories of their “on the road” experiences with “Nana and Daddy Pops”.

We would like to thank all the people at Fairview Mennonite Home who made mom’s stay so comfortable. Their loving, gentle and respectful care is very much appreciated by her entire family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Barthel Funeral Home in Preston. A Memorial Service will be held at Trillium United Church, 450 King Street East, Preston on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:00 am. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Fairview Mennonite Home, the Preston-Hespeler Rotary Club or a charity of your choice.

We will love and remember you always mom!