Gladys June Klassen (née Hetterley)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys June Klassen, who left us peacefully at Southbridge Kemptville, Ontario, on September 28, 2024. She was very nearly 92 years old, and passed on her late husband’s birthday, just in time to celebrate with him in Heaven. Gladys will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Born on October 17, 1932, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Gladys was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, John, on August 4, 2013. She is survived by her loving children Susan (Dave Knox) and Trevor (Maria), and will forever be cherished by her grandchildren: Zackery (Van-Anh), Samantha (Shawn), Hunter, Auzsha, Simon, and Daniela, along with her five great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Cheyton, Kade, Khalid, and Amira. Gladys was the daughter of John and Mary Hetterley and was predeceased by her brothers, Clarence and Howard Hetterley, her niece, Susan Landega, and her nephew, George. She was a beloved sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

Known for her immense kindness and hospitality, Gladys had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special. Whether it was baking a favorite cookie, providing papaya, or offering potato salad with an extra to take home, her thoughtfulness will be greatly missed.

Gladys began her education in Yorkton before moving to Regina in 1954 to pursue a career as an X-Ray Technician at the Medical Arts Clinic. She became a Registered Technician in May 1956, beginning her career at Grey Nuns Hospital. In July 1960, she moved to Toronto to work at East General Hospital, where she met her future husband, John. They were married at Christ Church in Regina on July 15, 1961. Following their wedding, Gladys and John moved to London, Ontario, where John attended the University of Western Ontario. Gladys worked at Westminster Hospital and a chiropractic clinic. In August 1964, they relocated to Brantford, where Gladys continued her work as an X-Ray Technician. Their daughter Susan was born in 1965, and son Trevor followed in 1968 while the family was in Kaduna, Nigeria, where John taught high school, and Gladys worked at St. Gerard’s Hospital.

While living in Africa Gladys and John were able to experience numerous exciting trips. Gladys and John went to Egypt and traveled around Cairo where they were able to witness the pyramids, the Great Sphinx and many of the other attractions. Just a few months after the 6-day war in Israel, they visited Jerusalem, Palestine and the Dead Sea. They were among the first tourists to explore the newly created state of Israel. Gladys and John went to many holy sites where they were able to take many pictures for their slideshows and for Johns curriculum, which he would go on to use at Sir Robert Borden high school for the next 40 plus years. Gladys also traveled to Spain and Barcelona with John and Susan where they explored the city streets. During this period, Gladys was a member of the International Women’s Club, and this got Gladys an invitation to tea with Queen Elizabeth II! Gladys joined the tea party in England where she met with Her Majesty directly in person. This was one of Gladys’s proudest moments of her life.

Upon their return to Canada, John accepted a teaching position at Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa until his retirement in 1990. Gladys was never one to shy away from new challenges; she drove a school bus, worked at Almonte Hospital, and graduated from Algonquin College in 1979 with a certificate in Baking.

A devoted wife and mother, Gladys adored her grandchildren and treasured her great- grandchildren. She was a dedicated Christian, serving her community and church with love. Each Easter and Christmas, she baked Paska bread and Christmas cake for everyone in her congregation. A passionate sports fan, she proudly supported the Ottawa Senators and the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.

Friends and family are invited to visit All Saints Lutheran Church, 1061 Pinecrest Rd., at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, prior to a Memorial Service and gathering to share stories and memories of Gladys.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Dementia and Mental Illness would be appreciated by the family.

Gladys’s warmth and generosity will be forever remembered by all who knew her.