Obituary of Gladys Josephine Silzer

Gladys Josephine SILZER 1938 – 2014 Gladys Silzer late of Debden, SK. passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2014 in the Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert, SK. She was just a few days short of her 76th birthday. Gladys was born January 13, 1938 in Nokomis (SK) Hospital. She grew up on a farm in the Raymore area and attended both elementary and high schools in Raymore. When Gladys left home after high school, she entered nursing school in Brandon, MB. She graduated with her R.P.N. (Registered Psychiatric Nurse) in 1959 and took her first job in Ponoka, AB. But, she wanted to return to Saskatchewan to be closer to her family and took a nursing job in Moose Jaw. This is where she met her husband, Len ( of 43 years). Len, who was also a recently graduated R.P.N. proposed sometime after and they were wed in Limerick, SK. Soon after they moved to Weyburn where they both worked at the Weyburn Mental Hospital for a few years. Eventually, to further their careers, they moved to Prince Albert, SK to work at the newly constructed Psych Center. During these years in Prince Albert, Gladys (and Len) managed numerous rental properties and she also worked quite a few years as an EMT with the ambulance service. She loved helping people as a paramedic and especially took pride in delivering babies. Anyone who knew Gladys knew her hard working character stuck with her throughout her entire life as evidenced by these other hobby careers. Eventually, in 1971, Gladys (and Len) purchased land in the Debden area. She continued her nursing career (after officially retiring from her government nursing career in 1989) over the next few years at Big River Hospital and also at Whispering Pines in Canwood. They continued to accumulate land on which they both farmed grain and ranched cattle until their semi-retirement in 2002. One of Gladys’ first loves was her love of animals and throughout the years in the Debden area, she studied and obtained her Veterinarian Assistant Diploma. Again, a testament of her character, she never would slow down her busy busy life. Gladys’ most proud accomplishment, however, was the Debden Health Clinic which she imagined, spearheaded and brought to fruition with its opening in 2003. She continued to volunteer as a nurse at the Clinic until she became too ill to continue working there only last year. Gladys was first diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and had been fighting the battle ever since. To help her pass the time, because she had to keep busy, she loved to crochet and knit, but gardening was her most favorite joy. She also so enjoyed coffeeing with her numerous neighbors and friends. Gladys will be sadly missed by her family, friends and the entire community. Gladys leaves to mourn her passing; her Sister-in-law, Lydia Kram of LaRonge, SK., a special nephew; Gary Kram of LaRonge, SK. and his children, Andrew Kram of LaRonge, SK., Rebecca Kram of Ottawa, ON., Emily Kram of Orillia, ON., a special niece; Sharon (Rick) Wright of Abbotsford, BC., Brothers-in-law; William (Marcella) Silzer of Limerick, SK., Ray (Beth) Silzer of Regina, SK., sisters-in-law; Emma Baghean of Limerick, SK. and Ann Rogers of Edmonton, AB. , a special friend, Bev Mergel of Prince Albert, SK. and other relatives and countless friends. Gladys was predeceased by; her husband, Leonard Silzer on May 25, 2008, her brother, George Kram on April 20, 2012, Her parents; Joseph Kram on January 25, 1988 and Theresa (nee: Santa) Kram on November 26, 1984, Her in-Laws; John Paul (Caroline) Silzer, Brothers-in-law; Ernie (Evelyn) Silzer,Harry Rogers, Albert Silzer, sister-in-law, Margaret Averill. The Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Debden Centennial Hall on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Carmen Jean and Pauline Tetreault as celebrants. Laurna Parent will be doing the music. Honorary Pallbearers will be “All of Gladys’ family and friends who knew and loved her.” The Pallbearers will be Dan Jean, Jules Couture, Guy Cyr, Bob Gerow, Emile Tetreault, Matthew Jean. Memorial donations in memory of Gladys may be made to the Debden Health Clinic. The Interment will be in the Silzer Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Donna Lovberg, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK. (306-747-2828)