Gladys was born on September 4, 1929 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia to Archibald and Elizabeth Murrant, and grew up in Port Morien. She graduated from Nova Scotia Normal College in 1948. In 1952 Gladys married Leonard Durdle and moved to New Waterford where they raised their six children. For the past five years, Gladys and Len lived in Halifax at the Shannex in Clayton Park.
Gladys’ teaching career continued for over thirty-five years. Upon retirement, Gladys and Len moved to River Ryan where they enjoyed gardening and spending time in their yard. Gladys also enjoyed skating and was an avid painter. In retirement, she and Len spent many hours in the workshop creating hand painted treasures which adorn family and friends’ homes. Above all, the time with her family, especially summers at their cabin in Point Michaud, were the most cherished. She was a member of Calvin United Church in New Waterford.
Her children remember her as a kind and dedicated mother who always put her family first. The “home” Gladys created with her husband Len, continued to be a haven for all of her children and grandchildren long after they were empty nesters. Where Len and Gladys were, was home--a place of laughter, security, warmth and friendship.
Gladys is survived by her husband Leonard, her children Donna Lee Coady (David, deceased), Alan Durdle (Cathy), Eva Doell (Brad), Lorna Durdle (Greg Danchuk) and Rhona Reynen (Gordon), her siblings Margie MacKillop (Kenneth), Sylvia Manton (Bill) and Janice Murrant. She was preceded in death by her son George and her brother Bert.
Gladys had a large loving family, grandchildren included; Jacqueline, Gillian, Mitchell, Len, David, Andrew and Nolan and great grandchildren; Ayanna, Anica, Harrison, Lyla, Braedyn and Harper as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Cremation will take place followed by a celebration of life for family members. Burial will take place at a later date at Union Grove Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia at http://alzheimer.ca/en/ns
Online condolences may be made at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
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