Gladys Irene Bastiaan

Surrounded by loved ones, Gladys Bastiaan (née Cox) passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024 at the age of 84 years. Gladys was born in Fergus, Ontario in 1940. She was raised on a farm by her parents Alice and Gordon Cox alongside her brother Bill before moving to Kitchener, Ontario to work at the Waterloo Savings and Trust Company. In 1961 she moved west to Calgary, Alberta where she met her husband Gerry Bastiaan and raised two sons, Roger and Marc.

Gladys led a modest life, always putting others first. She spent many hours volunteering and helping others. After Gerry passed away in 2007, Gladys rededicated herself to volunteer work, making significant contributions at the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, and the Kerby Centre. When “gently asked” if she was doing too much, Gladys always responded that she was the beneficiary of that volunteer work, that she received more than she gave. This was evident in the number of good friends she made through her work. Gladys’ life was greatly enriched and rewarded by giving to others.

Gladys loved listening to 770 radio, discussing current events, and vacationing in the United States with Gerry and her family. In recent years she travelled alongside her friend Penny to many locations including Turkey, Italy, Spain, and Costa Rica. Gladys enjoyed watching hockey and football and playing board games with her grandchildren. She was a master at making delicious Nanaimo bars.

Gladys was predeceased by her brother Bill and her husband Gerry. She is survived by her sons Roger Bastiaan (Jennifer) and Marc Bastiaan (Niki). Gladys had four grandchildren that will miss her dearly: Adam, Garret, Annika and Konrad. She will also be missed by many great friends and neighbors.

A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, November 2. 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to pay tribute to her may do so by donating to the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre at https://carewest.ca/carewest-dr-vernon-fanning/. Otherwise, please consider your own opportunities to volunteer in the community. Your life as well as the lives of others will be greatly enriched.