Obituary of Gloria Rau

<h1>Gloria Rau</h1> 1951 - 2010 Passed away at Freeport Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, on Saturday October 23, 2010 at the age of 59 years. Survived by her daughter Susan Hardy of Hartney Manitoba; parents, Fred Reed (Hazel) and Joan Dart of Toronto; brothers, Marc Reed (Sandy) and James Reed (Louise) of Toronto. Sadly missed by her ex-husband and dear friend Mike Rau (Jane) and the Rau family and Aranka Florica and her family. Predeceased by her brother Paul Reed (2003). Gloria grew up in various places in Ontario, Florida, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec before finally settling in Waterloo via Elmira. She learned responsibility early by taking part in the raising of her younger siblings, especially the youngest and slowest one, James! She was an animal lover who would never enter the cat versus dog debate, as she loved both. She was an accomplished pianist, having started playing on the church organ, and in recent years taught piano from her home, as well as periodically performing in public. Despite being known as independent, strong, intelligent, practical, and insightful, she still reveled in telling “dumb blonde” jokes. These jokes were just one part of her generally sunny, cheerful disposition, which did not depart her when she learned in August 2010 of her advanced illness. This she faced bravely, and was thankfully spared a lot of pain. Honouring Gloria’s wishes cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to share their memories of Gloria with her family at a gathering to celebrate Gloria’s life on Sunday October 31, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. South, Waterloo. Reception to follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. Condolences for the family and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.