GLASSFORD, GERTRUDE MARION (MCGOVERN)
October 11, 1963 – May 23, 2021
It is with great sadness that the Glassford family announces the sudden but peaceful passing of Gert (also known as Gerty) in her home on Sunday, May 23, 2021. She will continue to live on in memory as the wife of Mark, the love of his life. Mother to her beloved children; Patricia Beaton (Greg), Anne Marie Taber (Scott) and Pauline Oakley (Kevin), and as Grams to grandchildren Aiden, Maddie and Avery. Gert was born on October 11, 1963 to Percy and Betty McGovern from Loretto, ON and daughter-in-law to Art and Chris Glassford from Calgary, AB. She is survived by her siblings Elizabeth, Bridget, Cathy, Dave and John (Tali), along with brother-in-law Michael (Mike), sister-in-law Dede and Nick. She will be missed dearly by her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as the many friends whose lives she touched. With a kind heart and gentle soul, Gert loved deeply and lived each day to the fullest. She had a passion for the outdoors and a sense of adventure. Joined at the hip with Mark, Gert explored the country on their motorcycle, boat and of course, their “other child,” the Mustang. Whether it was spending winters skiing in the Canadian Rockies, sunning on the beaches of Cuba, or simply tending to her beautiful gardens, Gert found joy and made every moment feel special. She relished her role as Grams and created lasting memories with each of her grandchildren, with daily video chats, lessons in banana bread baking, pierogi making, intense card games, and let’s not forget the many drawing and art projects. She went to great lengths to make their birthdays the biggest and helped build them the most magical lights display every Christmas. Gert was a patient listener to friends, family or anyone who knew her, offering lots of laughs in times of joy, and a shoulder to cry on in times of need. She took on each challenge with a smile and inspired those in her life to be courageous and kind.
Gert’s immediate family will be honouring her life with a Private Service at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery in Tottenham on Monday, May 31st, at her final resting place with her father Percy. While COVID-19 restrictions limit the number of attendees, the family will be sharing a link on Facebook to live stream the service. A Celebration of Gert’s life will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations to Caledon Dufferin Victim Services (CDVS) are appreciated by the family in lieu of flowers. CDVS is an important organization to Gert, Mark and the local community. Each year, the Glassford’s create the brightest, most festive Christmas lights display to raise funds that help support victims of crime, abuse, and tragedy in the community. For more information, call (519) 942 -1452, visit 390 C-Line, Orangeville, ON or www.cdvs.ca.
A tree will be planted in memory of Gert in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com