Obituary of Gladys Olivia Roeder

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Gladys Olivia Roeder (nee Schmidt) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Mary's Hospital on Friday May 5, 2023, at the age of 97.

Gladys was born on June 23, 1925, in Cross Hill, Ontario.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Reuben Roeder March of 1996.

Gladys will be sadly missed by her 6 children Douglas (Dianne), Gerald (Linda), Ron (Bev), Carol (Jack), David (Beth), Paul (Lynn), also her 17 grandchildren Vicky (Roeder-Martin), Stephanie Fournier, Chad Roeder (deceased, 1976), Mark Roeder, Wendy Cox, Kevin Roeder, Angela Kanaris, Jessica Hammer, Krista Ogonowski, Jeff and Michael McNab, Ryan and Michael Roeder, Nicole Eby, Michelle and Jennifer Roeder, Ainslie King, also 34 great-grandchildren.  She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews.

Gladys lived her faith and was a charter member of Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo where she enjoyed quilting with her many friends. She also volunteered, served on numerous committees and for various organizations in Waterloo Region.

Gladys enjoyed time with friends, especially Violet Rank who was such a caregiver and dear friend.  Playing cards and board games with the grandkids was always a special highlight for her, teaching others and playing Solo was definitely her favourite thing to do.

Gladys was predeceased by her parents Henry and Edith Schmidt, and her siblings Mildred Fortune, Mabel Rank, and Dorothy Schmidt. 

Gladys enjoyed living for the past 27 years in Luther Village.  She made many friends during her time there and appreciated all this community had to offer.  She moved to Hygate on Lexington Avenue, unfortunately for a short time, but appreciated the friendly caring staff and meeting of some new friends.

Gladys worked in her younger years at both K-W Hospital and Wilfred Laurier University.

Gladys was truly a “Bright Light” to everyone who knew her, and her family is so thankful for the selfless devotion she constantly displayed. We know that she will live in our hearts, our memories, and our actions.

Gladys’s family would like to extend their sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and all staff on the 7^th floor of St. Mary's General Hospital for all their compassionate care, especially PSW Sue who always put a smile on her face.

Visitation will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, May 11^th from 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm.  A Funeral Service will take place at Mount Zion Lutheran Church on Friday May 12^th with visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am.  Internment will take place at Memory Gardens, Breslau, Ontario.

Condolences for the family and donations to Mount Zion Church or the St. Mary's Hospital can be arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.