Gladys Marie Rea

After a beautiful life’s journey the family of Gladys Rea is announcing her passing on January 27, 2025 at Dauphin General Hospital after suffering a heart attack. She was 92. She is survived by her daughters Donna (Elmer Billows), Erin (Ken Rech), Brenda (Larry Bazylewski); son Ted (Kelly Brennan) and daughter in law Jennifer; 8 grandchildren Stephen, Leslie, Carrie, Jeff, Sean, Sammi, Lukas and Connor; along with 3 great grandchildren Ellie, Lily and Lucy. She was predeceased by her husband Bertrand “Bud” Rea and son Larry.

Gladys was born in Foxwarren, Manitoba and moved with family to farm in Birch River, Manitoba at the age of 3 ½. She came to Dauphin for her high school education and graduated in 1951. She married Bud Nov 3, 1951 and worked in the home raising 5 children. Mom’s bread, buns and potato salad were the best.

When Bud passed, she began to search for employment. She started work as a librarian at the Dauphin Public Library and with the Parkland Regional Library from 1977 to 1992. Mom especially liked to read to young children and told her stories on a flannel board. She decorated the library for every holiday and retired as Head Librarian at the age of 60.

She then decided to embrace life and squeezed every moment with passion and drive. In her early 60’s she took up the game of golf. She immersed herself in the game, practicing in the ditch and lawn on River Avenue. Gladys became an accomplished golfer winning many prizes and trophies. She was a fierce competitor achieving 2 holes in one: the second ace when she was almost 81. Her screams could be heard across the golf course if a snake happened to cross her path. Gladys golfed into her 90’s. Ted claims he didn’t know where he got his competitive attitude from until he started golfing with his mother. Gladys recently commented that when she was young (in her 70’s) she often golfed 27 holes in one day. She loved the challenge of the game, sharing many laughs with her friends and enjoying the outdoors.

Gladys was a sport enthusiast. She erected the Winnipeg Blue Bombers flag on game day from the balcony of her apartment. An avid baseball, curling and golf fan, Gladys followed her favorites on TV.

She was a founding member of the Golden Gals, curled with the Rockettes and finally with the Seniors Club where she was Treasurer for many years.

Gladys enjoyed travel and visited New Orleans, Nashville, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. She made bus trips to various tourist attractions across Canada and the US, some with her friends and some with her kids.

Gladys was generous and philanthropic, supporting many charities. She once anonymously paid the hydro bill of a struggling family. That was Gladys.

She walked with gratitude and grace, always maintaining a positive attitude and expecting her children to do the same. She had a great sense of humour and wore a smile. However Gladys could shoot from the hip and soon offered her opinion if she didn’t like the haircut, the outfit, or whatever. We always knew where we stood.

Gladys attended Grace Bible Church and then walked the easier distance to the Lutheran Church.

At mom’s request, there will be no formal service. The family will honor Gladys privately at a later date.

“With your unwavering faith and love. May you be welcomed into the arms of our Lord. May you enjoy unending peace and happiness with your family and friends who have gone before you.”

“Safe in the arms of Jesus”

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