HELENE GLADYS (EPP) RICHMOND September 23, 1931 – June 6, 2021
On June 6th, 2021, Helene Gladys (Epp) Richmond went home to be with her Lord with her family by her side. While sudden, her passing was peaceful. Gladys, as she was known by all, is survived by her beloved husband, Frank, of 68 years; children, Donna (Ralf) and Ross (Linda); 5 grandchildren - Jeff (Sophie), Darryn (Brittany), Melissa, Stacey and Stephanie (Richard) and 9 great grandchildren - Zoey, Ayden, Brynn, Lincoln, Aurora, Autumn, Lucy, Norah & Claire; as well as many other family & friends who were all very special to her.
Born on September 23, 1931 in Waldheim, Saskatchewan she was predeceased by her mother, Anna (Reimer) Epp; father, Johann Epp and siblings Luella, Clarence, Lenard & Mavis. She came to BC in her late teens to work in the cannery in Kamloops, then travelled to Vancouver when the season ended. Her friends returned to Saskatchewan but she chose to stay. Here, she met Frank at the People’s Fellowship Church. They were married in 1953 and spent their early married years in Vancouver where daughter, Donna was born in 1954. From there they moved to Burnaby, then Coquitlam in 1959. Son, Ross, was born in 1960. The next 27 years were spent in Coquitlam until they retired to property in Maple Ridge and finally to Abbotsford in 2000.
Gladys loved being in her kitchen and over the years, served hundreds of meals as many people were welcomed into their home and to their table. She had the gift of hospitality like no other and generously shared this gift with family and friends. There was plenty of food for all, even for unexpected guests!
In retirement, they put thousands of kilometers on their motorhome visiting friends & family on their adventures. They also spent many years serving faithfully at Esperanza, a camp on Vancouver Island’s west coast, with Gladys working in the kitchen whenever she could.
She loved working with her hands whether sewing, knitting, or quilting. She enjoyed playing games, and was always up for the challenge of a game of Scrabble.
She was a godly woman with a sincere faith demonstrated by the love she had for all she met. She trusted Jesus to lead and guide her. She mentored and encouraged many women throughout her life through Bible Study & prayer groups.
She had a warm heart and a beautiful smile. She was able to make all who knew her feel special. She loved her family and treasured each moment they spent together. Gladys will be dearly missed. We celebrate her life and her faith and rejoice that she is with her Lord. We are so thankful for her and the impact she had on each of our lives.
Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no funeral service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gladys’ name to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, BC Children’s Hospital or to ALS Research.
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