October 20, 1936 - February 26, 2022
Mrs. Gloria Ethel Carlson (nee Krchov) passed away the morning of Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the age of 85 years. She was proudly born into the Czech community near Rosetown, Saskatchewan on October 20, 1936. She grew up on the family farm with parents, Edwin and Ethel and siblings, Dorathy and Jerry.
Fiercely independent, she would say of herself that she marched to the beat of her own drum. She was greatly influenced by life on the farm; where a visit by Tommy Douglas sparked an intense interest in politics throughout her life, always cheering for the underdog.
Proud granddaughter of a suffragette, she was a feminist and tireless advocate for justice. Gloria started a family of her own, attended Business College in Saskatoon, and took up the trade of Home Decorating.
She moved her family to Red Deer, Alberta in the early 1970's; where, she became owner of Altan Draperies for twenty years. A skilled seamstress and talented artist, she decorated many homes and businesses in the area.
You can't think about Gloria without also thinking of her happy place, her garden. She could often be found lovingly bent over her shovel in the garden, or tending her house plants. The beauty of colors and smells were appreciated by all who visited. Many friends and families yards are host to plants she shared. She once said: "the tiny poppy is the whole philosophy of life; you make the best of it and you keep on going."
She took joy from expanding her horizons and loved to experience new food and ideas. Gloria was cared for with love and compassion at the end of her life, "molly-coddled" she would say, by the Red Deer Hospice Staff.
Gloria will be lovingly remembered by her family, Len Carlson (Nicole Lambert), Jackie Smith, Tara Carlson; her grandkids, Amy Smith (Nolan Wilson), Mitchell Carlson and Brent Smith (Cassandra Kroening); her "great grans", Chanelle Smith and Cassius Stasiuk; Dorathy (Bill) Pfiefer; and friends who were loving, giving, and dependable right to the end. She always saw the best in people.
There was an open house for friends and family to celebrate Gloria's Life at 4603 - 46 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Gloria's honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium