Gladys Ruby Cooper

With great sorrow, the world says goodbye to Gladys Ruby Cooper (nee Southon). Gladys was born in Fort Erie, Ontario, on Dec 21, 1924, and passed away gently on Mar 27, 2025, in Scarborough, Ontario. Predeceased by husband Joshua Raymond Cooper (Ray) with whom she spent 58 wonderful years. Also predeceased by sister Constance Ryan and brother Leslie Southon, both of whom were never far from her thoughts.

Gladys leaves her son Ian, daughter Gwendolyn, cherished grandson Noah, and friend Timothy Kelly, along with her cousin Eric Reinhold and his partner Rosemarie Hemkens.

Gladys moved with her family to Montreal, Quebec in the early 1930’s, where they all lived and worked. She went to work at Simpson’s department store at age 16, enjoying the job, the customers she met, and especially her colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. There were plenty of opportunities for Gladys. She was promoted to buyer for women’s sportwear, and enjoyed the excitement of going on buying trips to New York City. In those days, she thought nothing of working all day, then skiing on Mount Royal in the evening with best friend Pearl. She was very popular, and shared many memories of this time in her life.

Married in 1947, Gladys and Ray honeymooned in Niagara Falls, settling in St. Lambert, a suburb of Montreal. She earned her high school diploma in her twenties, a goal that was very important to her. Ian and Gwen were born here, and it was here she met neighbour Thelma Hayward, with whom she remained close until Thelma’s death in 2024.

A dedicated homemaker and mother, an enthusiastic church volunteer, Gladys hosted many dinner parties and all manner of birthday and holiday celebrations. She especially enjoyed trips to the Eastern Townships in the summertime, enjoying swimming and boating and evening board games. Gladys was also a big fan of the bakery in Magog…ooh la la. She and Ray also enjoyed getting away to Myrtle beach in the winter months.

Always a caring neighbour, she often helped, fed, and cared for kids, pets and adults she came to know, and carried this forward when she and Ray moved their family to Toronto in 1978. As fortune would have it, many of their friends from Montreal would make the move as well, a great new group was created. They also became suitable victims for her card playing prowess.

Despite losing Ray in 2006, and missing him every day, Gladys carried on with strength and pragmatism. She was always able to demonstrate love with open heart, with an open door and a well stocked kitchen that became an inspiration to all who loved her. Her every kindness was rewarded in her later years, by family, friends and caregivers who recognized her kind spirit. Gladys especially valued the warmth and love of her good friend Yolanta Dziadel.

Special thanks to the staff at Fieldstone Commons, Unit 4B, who cared for Gladys in the last two years with kindness, love and humour.

A private cremation has already taken place.

If desired, donations can be made in Gladys’ memory to Knox Presbyterian Church in Scarborough, or The War Amps.