Gladys Ella Kern

Gladys Ella Kern was born November 30,1938 in Hanna, AB to Ed and Tillie Raugust. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with ALS in August 2021. On October 3, 2022 at the age of 83, Gladys passed away peacefully at her home in Calgary, AB. Her loving husband of 63 years, Fred Kern, predeceased her on June 22, 2022.

Gladys started her life as a farm girl near Hanna, AB. As the second-born of six children, her childhood was busy assisting with house and farm chores. Gladys learned to work hard on the farm and enjoyed the opportunity to be a member of the 4H Club, as well as the community and friends she gained from attending church.

As a 17-year-old she moved to Calgary to finish her high school diploma and start a career. After completing her high school credits, she completed her secretarial training but discovered her talents in banking and worked for London Life for the next several years.

While in Calgary, she fell in love with her husband Fred and was married in 1959. In the early years of their marriage they moved from Calgary to Edmonton to Halifax and then full circle back to Edmonton; finally settling in Calgary in 1971. It was in these years Gladys raised her family, gained dear friends and grew in her faith in Christ.

She was gifted in building open, honest and respectful relationships with others. She had a way of making close friends and listening with compassion and curiosity. You could trust her. Her friends were dear to her, and she spoke fondly of the friendships that lasted for years as well as her newly formed friendships. A highlight of each week was the gatherings with friends at bible study, exercise group, or going for coffee.

Everyone who came into contact with her knew that she gave herself fully to the crucified and risen Jesus. God gave her new life and she found her purpose in serving God, family and friends. Christ was her Lord. Gladys wrote, “I want to be known as a woman striving to know her God, to know myself and to love others.” She also said, “I want to walk in the freedom that only comes from Christ our Lord and encourage my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to love and know God and know their potential in life.”

Gladys enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, worshiping, visiting, making close friendships, attending Christian Woman’s, serving the sick through the Lutheran Hospital Ministry Association, hosting guests, offering bible studies and constantly growing, learning and changing. She wrote, “My relationship with Jesus is a daily walk and privilege. I continually want to grow in my faith and learn about God. I know that I don’t have it all made and I need to daily seek Him in the word and prayer.”

Gladys humbly served her family. She is survived by her children: Sandra Kern-Ali (Ken), Greg Kern (Heather), and Gary Kern (Megan). Over the past 35 years, she admired and was passionate about caring for her ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren, always listening and encouraging them to become the person God made them to be. Grandma was fun! She was full of joy when she was around them. Her energy and compassion were endless. Grandma had a special relationship with every grandchild and great grandchild. Her death is deeply felt by each of them.

We give God thanks for Gladys. We surrender her to the graceful hands of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Her energy, love and faith will be missed.

Donations to the ALS Society are appreciated: The ALS Society of Alberta, 7874 - 10 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1 https://www.alsab.ca/donate

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so during a visitation at Mountain View Funeral Home (Arbor Chapel, 1605 100 Street SE, Calgary) on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. We invite all to attend the Memorial Service at the Centre Street Church, Bearspaw Campus (33 Damkar Court, Calgary) on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.