Obituary of Gloria Jean Caldwell

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Gloria Jean Caldwell (Barnes) passed peacefully on December 9, 2021, surrounded by her siblings and children. Gloria is predeceased by her husband Lawrence (Larry) Caldwell who died in May 2004. She is survived by; her four siblings, Bill (Carol), Jack (June), Bonnie (Gerry, predeceased) (John) and Ken (Jenny), her four children, Kelly (Tom), John, Janet (Fred) and Dave (Stephanie), and her grandchildren Montrose, Frankie, Claire, Julia, Taryn, Owen, Karis and Trevor (predeceased).

Gloria recently celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family who travelled across the country to celebrate her. Always a deeply humble woman, Gloria was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure to know her. Gloria married Lawrence (Larry) in 1960, and thus embarked on a journey that included many different houses and cities, a couple of unwanted goats, shot-gun alarm clocks, early morning axe work and some unfortunate pet ducks. Larry made sure to keep life spontaneous, and Gloria made sure the house stayed in one piece. Gloria had kids at a young age but returned to school to not only complete her GED while raising four children, but she also went on to receive a certificate in stenography. Gloria was a kindhearted person who always found the positive side to every situation.

Throughout her life Gloria moved to many different towns and homes throughout the Waterloo area, spending many happy years in Elora, a farm in Puslinch, and finally her home in Waterloo. Gloria will be remembered for celebrating with her grandkids at the horse races and casino, teaching them how to use slot machines, puzzling, playing cards and working out the morning crossword and sudoku.

Her life was full of adventure, whether it was moving a house across town, or exploring Paris with her two daughters, she faced everything with strength and quiet resilience. She is known for working the night shift, returning home in the morning and getting her three kids ready for school before taking a nap with the baby— all done to earn some extra money and ensure her family had a joyful Christmas full of gifts and love. She was a person who always thought of the people around her first, making sure the people she loved were fed, and supported before she would care for herself.

For the last 2 years Gloria struggled with lung cancer and a stroke. While these health challenges were hard, it allowed her children and her grandchildren to show her the care she had always provided them. While it is hard to let her go, we hope she died knowing how important she was to all our lives. Gloria will be greatly missed by her family and friends who will forever miss her quiet sense of humour and distinctive laugh.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, December 17 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, December 18 at 1:00 pm with interment following at Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. To attend, relatives and friends must RSVP at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445. The service will be livestreamed and the link will be available on Gloria’s online obituary page at www.erbgood.com.

Condolences for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Council of the Blind, Waterloo, may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.