Gladys Wilhelmine Thio

Born in Morden, Manitoba she was raised on the farm by her parents Ina and William Jessiman with her three siblings Kay, Allister and Sangster.

Proud of her career, after Success College Gladys worked at the Bank of Montreal in Winnipeg followed by teaching at the rural East Lynne School at Boissevain Manitoba which led to meeting and marrying the love of her life Andrew Thio on Oct 11 1952. They raised their children Marlene and Gordon on the farm until 1960 when they moved into Boissevain. While Andy continued to farm, Gladys became the first Manager of the Credit Union and then Office Manager for the Federal Health of Animals where she worked until her retirement.

In Boissevain Gladys was very active golfing, curling, a member of Lionelles, Eastern Star (serving as Grand Matron) and the United Church. She liked to go to dances at the Legion with Andy and friends. She was committed to supporting her children’s activities and dreams and she treasured her friends, neighbors and family near and far.

Gladys lived the majority of her retirement in Vernon with her husband Andy. They loved sharing the Okanagan Valley with their many visitors. They enjoyed camping and fishing at the local lakes, weekly garage sales, making home-made wine, growing their own cherries and peaches, and relaxing on their covered deck through the warm Okanagan seasons (often with their grandchildren in tow). An avid golfer she spent many mornings golfing with friends at Hillview golf course. On her own or with a friend she rarely missed her daily and evening long walks. She and Andy would work together on projects and end the evening with a cribbage match. They loved planning trips and travelling internationally to Europe, Scotland, Hawaii, Mexico, and across Canada and the States with their RV.

Gladys was artistic making beautiful needle point pictures, water colour paintings and ceramics. Her home was kept and decorated immaculately; she had a love for style, any outings always required a suitable outfit change. She spent much time at her desk writing her diary, cards, letters and tracking finances (no receipt would be found out of place, and no sale would be missed).

Months after celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary Andy passed away in 2007. Gladys continued to be active with her many friends and fellowships; golfing, Eastern Star earning the title of Worthy Grand Matron and the United Church. She volunteered with the Red Cross making cancer dressings, as a hospital visitor and with her church. She enjoyed seeing movies at the theatre and concerts. She had

memorable trips with her daughter to China, Greece, Europe, Scotland, Caribbean Islands and on her own to Edmonton and Langley to visit her children and grandchildren.

In 2017 Gladys moved to Surrey and then Langley to be close to family; she continued to be an active member of her retirement communities, having fun with her new friends, participating in social activities: coloring, painting, games, musical concerts, sing a longs and dancing. Her caregivers and all who knew her share how much they adored her smile, sense of humour, and her caring positive attitude. An avid walker Gladys continued to walk and dance until her brief illness before she died.

Gladys died peacefully on June 4 2024 after a brief illness with pneumonia at Langley Gardens Chartwell where she received the ultimate in care.

She is survived by her daughter Marlene Thio-Watts, grand-daughter Janet McLean (Ryan), great grandchildren Jack and Peyton; son Gordon Thio (Cathy), grandchildren Nicole, Carmen and Kelly, her sister Kay Tingley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Allister and Sangster, and her grandson Michael Watts (Marlene’s son).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to support research for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.

A Celebration of Life will be planned and invitations extended for later in the summer.