Gloria Ann Aitken, beloved wife of 64 years of Bill Aitken, passed away on November 24, 2024, at the Oilfields Hospital in Diamond Valley, Alberta at the age of 84.
Gloria was born to Joseph and Marian Soper on October 1, 1940, in Sarnia, Ontario. She attended school and completed grade 13 after which she accepted a job at a local insurance agency. Gloria and Bill met in 1959; he was immediately captivated by her beauty, elegance and grace. They were married soon after in March 1960 and moved West to Alberta to begin their journey of building their new life together. There were many moves along the way as Bill continued his work in the oil patch. Many lean years followed but Gloria took them all in stride. With three children in tow, they eventually settled in Brooks, AB where Bill and Gloria embraced their new community and grew a wonderful business together.
Over the years, Gloria worked in various insurance agencies, travel agencies and then was honoured to be hired as the manager of the Brooks Eaton’s catalogue store. To this day, many people still speak highly of her wonderful personality and great work ethic. Gloria became a member of the Brooks Oil Wives Club, enjoyed curling and became a member of the Brooks Lutheran Church where her faith began to grow.
1978 brought about a new change when Bill and Gloria moved their family to Duchess, AB. Many friendships were formed, and her love of crafting began. Sewing, quilting, cake decorating and making chocolates became her passions. She joined the Duchess Mennonite Church family, and they embraced her wholeheartedly. Her love of the Lord, music and scripture became a large focus in her life, and it was this faith in God that carried her through her debilitating bout with rheumatoid arthritis.
Gloria was a wonderful mother, who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. Her grandchildren were a very important part of her life, and she showered them all with love and kindness.
Predeceased by her parents, Joe and Marian Soper, brother-in-law John Cook, in-laws, William and Ann Aitken Sr, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband Bill, children Bill Jr., April (Lee Post), Marion (Bruce Snape) and grandchildren Jonathan & Leanne Post, Joey (Ashley) Snape, Wyatt (Tenille)Snape, and her beautiful 3-month-old great granddaughter, Stevie Lynn Snape, her sister Bette Cook, numerous cherished relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Rising Sun Long Term Care for the exceptional care Gloria received over the last four months, and to all our family and friends for their outpouring of love and support.
There will be a service for Gloria on June 21, 2025, in Duchess, when the lilacs and Iris’s are in bloom. Cremation has taken place. We would like to thank Thom’s Funeral Home and Reception Center for all their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society of Canada – arthritis.ca For further information, to light a memorial candle or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
