Obituary of Gladys Griffin

GRIFFIN: Gladys Phyllis Griffin (Kelunick) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Brandon Regional Health Centre, after a lengthy and courageous battle with COPD. Gladys was born on June 9, 1941, in Neepawa, the second daughter born to Phillip Nicolas and Stella Kelunick. After growing up in Neepawa, Gladys furthered her education in Winnipeg before moving to Brandon. She was raised in a non- athletic family, where time was spent with family, playing cards, sewing and crocheting. This made it ironic that she would meet, Wayne, her husband of 48 years at a fastball game in 1967. Gladys and Wayne were married in 1968 and fastball, camping and nurturing her family became an important part of married life. A lot of hours were spent on the ball diamond, supporting her spouse, children and even the Umpires. Over the years, Gladys developed a passion for curling and spent countless hours watching curling games and even participated many years ago. She also spent many days in Ringette arenas when Allison was young. Gladys spent many years caring for her family at home. She was a stay at home Mom and caregiver, who took pride in raising young children, many of which were not her own. Over the years, Gladys' nurturing ways touched many. Once her youngest daughter Allison was old enough, Gladys went back to work. She completed a refresher course through ACC, then worked in the circulation department of the Brandon Sun. In 2004, her declining health made working outside the home no longer feasible. It was the same year her grandson, Ty, was born and Gladys was able to concentrate on nurturing those around her. On Gladys' birthday, in 2005, her beautiful granddaughter Julia was born, creating a special bond they will always share. Gladys' grandchildren meant the world to her and there was nothing she would not do for them. Gladys was pre-deceased by her parents, Nick (1986), Stella (2006), father-in-law Arthur (1992), mother-in-law Mary (2005), very special brother-in-law John Woloski (2004) and nephew Jimmy Nachtegaele (2015). Gladys is survived by her loving husband, Wayne, two daughters, Suzanne (Yorgo) Halamandaris of Brandon and Allison (Kevin) Lone of Boissevain, two precious grandchildren Ty and Julia Lone, only sister and best friend Annie Woloski of Brandon, nephew and Godson Jason (Eryn) Woloski of Winnipeg and Wayne's siblings, Arlene (Maurice) Nachtegaele of North Battleford, SK, Doug (Sharon) Griffin of Chauvin, AB, Ernie (Marge) Griffin of Humboldt, SK and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will take place at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manitoba Lung Association, Box 20029, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6Y8. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Gladys during her illness, including the Doctors, nurses and caregivers at BRHC as well as the staff at Rana Respiratory.