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GLADYS EVELYN BARTON
Peacefully, at the age of 90, while holding the hand of her husband of 72 years, our beloved mother, Gladys, affectionately known as "GG" (great-grandma), passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, November 17, 2023.
Gladys will be greatly missed by her husband, Lawrence; her five children, Charlene Rocke, Pamela Walford, Darryl, Mary and Gerry Barton; nine grandchildren, Natalie Rocke, Damian Rocke (Jillian), Ethan Rocke (Tracy), Lindy Rocke, Tyrone Walford (Catherine), Rhett Walford, Julie, Lisa and Damon Barton; and 13 great-grandchildren, Ben, Wyatt, Owen, Emmet, Oliver, Ellis, Mya, Addison, Brynn, Huxley, Weston, Hendrix and Madaxx, and extended family abroad.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Minnie Belle and Clarence Whitnack; 13 siblings, Warren, Edna, Edith, Albert, Robert, Edward, Willis, Emily, Clarence, Ben, Tom, Jack; and son-in-law, Alva Rocke.
Mom's bubbly personality, quick wit, kind heart and gentle spirit made her popular wherever she went. Born in Hemaruka, Alberta and raised on a farm, in her younger years she lovingly cared for her bed-ridden mother's daily needs. Mom loved riding horses and country music.
At 16, she moved to Lloydminster, Alberta to live with her oldest sister, Edna, who was like a mother to her and whose children were like siblings. Gladys took a secretarial arts course at Reeves Business College, then moved to Vermillion to work at a bank. A handsome young man named Lawrence happened to be working at this same bank, and they married in 1951. After a decade in Grand Prairie, Alberta, where mom converted to Catholicism, sang in the church choir and dabbled in theatre, landing a small speaking role in The Death and Life of Sneaky Finch, our parents settled in Winnipeg in 1967. A classy dresser who always looked her best, mom worked at the Kirkfield Hotel, BMO, and the Winnipeg Municipal Hospitals where she spent the majority of her career and was the life of the office.
A woman of many talents, mom was an excellent seamstress, wonderful cook, creative problem solver, and in her later years took up painting, winning 1st place in her category at the Civic Centre Show in 1986. Her latent skill in interior design emerged when she completely redesigned her kitchen later in life.
Mom had a strong faith and served with the Catholic Women's League in Winnipeg for many years.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 29, 1:30 p.m., Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 3390 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. 204-832-7175.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 25, 2023, Nov 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Sorry for your loss Uncle Laurence & family. Aunt Gladys was such a wonderful person. Her infectious smile, laugh & loving attitude will forever be remembered. - Posted by: Barry Neyrinck ( Love you) on: Dec 01, 2023
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What a beautiful obituary, it warmed my heart to read it and learn more of Great Auntie Gladys' interests and talents. My best memories of her and Uncle Lawrence were when they welcomed me into their home on Voyageur when I was cycling x-Canada in the 90s. Grandma had arranged for me to meet up with them and stop for the night, but I ended up staying for the whole weekend! I remember sleeping so well, it was a very restful but also packed weekend. They introduced me to many of you, and I had a great time at Pam's cottage on Lake Winnipeg, after stops at Grand Beach and Oak Hammock Marsh. They were superstar tour guides, showing me around the Forks, the Museum of Man and Nature and taking me to what I think was Uncle Lawrence's favourite place, the BDI. Following that bike trip and experiencing many cities across Canada, I had to conclude that Winnipeg was #1. Auntie Gladys showed me her way of cutting an onion and (maybe this is weird) I think of her every time I cut one. I really enjoyed and am grateful for that weekend together, and the incredible warm welcome she and Uncle Lawrence showed me. I hope your memories and love embrace you all and give you peace. Sending you much, much love! - Posted by: Kim Chapman (Great Aunt) on: Nov 27, 2023
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I worked with Gladys at the Winnipeg Municipal Hospitals. The girls in the office shared a close kinship. Good times were had. I especially remember Gladys as a true ray of sunshine - Rest in peace Gladys - your friend & coworker Vera Truchan. - Posted by: vera lyne truchan (former co-worker) on: Nov 26, 2023
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I have many fond memories of Aunt Gladys. Our 2 families would celebrate Christmas and New Year’s together back in the Lloydminster days. I remember travelling by bus up to Grande Prairie when I was a teenager to ‘help’ her after the birth of a new baby… I’m sure I was more of a hindrance than a help! I recall her patiently showing me the proper way to iron Lawrence’s shirts. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was a very kind, giving lady.. - Posted by: Vera May Fair (Niece) on: Nov 26, 2023
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I am so sorry to hear of the passing of great Aunt Gladys as she was such a beacon of light with her warm and welcoming presence and her friendly manner. She had such a graceful presence and a sense of humor. I remember when she was visiting my grandmother ( Emily) quite a few years ago, when I was planning my wedding. She pitched in like a trooper and went with us as we went to see different venues for the wedding. She helped to keep a really stressful time “light” for a particularly high strung and temperamental bride(me). I’m pretty sure she helped to make many of the treats we all enjoyed at my gift opening- but that’s who she was- ready to pitch in and help when needed. Many years after that, she was also there when we said goodbye to my grandmother- making the trip from Winnipeg to be present once again for her family. She was a tremendous support for our family as we said goodbye. Her love and support helped us to navigate our grief as we moved through our loss. I will miss her and the grace she bestowed upon us all.❤️ May God’s perpetual light shine on her and grant her family peace at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Angela, Juri, Caitlyn, and Tyler Rastovski. God bless you all.❤️ - Posted by: Angela Rastovski née Chapman (Great niece) on: Nov 26, 2023
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When I was 8 yrs old, Auntie Gladys came to live with our family (Edna & Bill Fair) in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. She was 16 and took a secretarial arts course at Reeves Business College. We had so much fun with her singing and being an older sister to us. My sister, Wilma & myself were flower girls when she married Uncle Lawrence. I spent a lot of time with her and then had the privilege of babysitting their firstborn, Charlene. When I entered Nurse’s training in Edmonton we would write letters back & forth just like sisters. She was so encouraging, caring and loving and a very talented woman. I loved her dearly and look forward to seeing her with Jesus in Heaven! I am praying for God’s comfort and His hope in Jesus for you, Lawrence, and your precious family as you adjust to life without her. Hugs! - Posted by: Luella Crooker (Niece) on: Nov 25, 2023
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My dear friends, i am happy I visit your mom in June when i was in Winnipeg. She was very warm and nice, such a blessing. Receive our condoleance, comfort and strength the coming days. Marten&Usha Schalkwijk - Posted by: Usha Schalkwijk (Pamela friend Suriname ) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Her infectious laugh and many visits to my beloved mom will be cherished. She was always so happy to be with especially when I was with my grandparents Bill and Edna. Rest In Peace and may she walk beside Jesus forever amen - Posted by: Stefanie Halldorson (Great niece) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful lady. Auntie Gladys made me laugh all the time, I can still hear her now. She was truly a wonderful wife, mom,daughter, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was with us when our mom passed away and we are forever grateful. Auntie you were a blessing in our life and we will truly miss you. Thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love Denise & Darrell & family. ♥️ - Posted by: Denise Schell (Niece ) on: Nov 25, 2023
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Our thoughts are with all of you. Auntie Gladys was truly one of a kind! We so enjoyed when she and Uncle Lawrence would come to visit with Mom and Al and we were included. There was never a dull moment with the Whitnack “girls”! She, mom Edith and Edna were not only sisters, they were friends. She will be deeply missed and remembered forever by many and thoughts of her will bring a smile to our faces. Thank you for sharing your mom with us. Love, Twila, Terry & family - Posted by: Twila & Terry Chapman & family (Niece) on: Nov 25, 2023
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I am so sorry for the passing of your dear mother and grandmother. I have heard about Gladys from Pamela for quite a few years, even though I never met her. It sounds like she lived a full, rich life. I am praying for all of you and your loss that God may comfort you, and you may sense His presence and love. - Posted by: Linda Storm (Friend of Pamela Walford ) on: Nov 25, 2023
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I worked in the business office with Gladys at the Municipal Hospital when I was very young. She was so kind and funny. She taught me things in the, business office that I carried with me all my life and career. I have thought of her over the years and hoped she was having a good life. I will always remember her. God Bless. - Posted by: Maureen Urbanovich (Friend ) on: Nov 25, 2023
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My sincere condolences on the passing of Gladys. I fondly remember many get together with my parents and Gladys and Lawrence. I know she will be missed and forever rememberd. - Posted by: Andrea Mauws (Former neighbour on Voyageur) on: Nov 25, 2023