Gloria Anne (Laudenbach) Brassard

Gloria was born on November 11, 1946, in Simcoe, Ontario. She was the first of two children of Anthony and Anne Laudenbach. Gloria was a beloved wife to Charles (Chuck), and a cherished mother to her daughter Leanne and a dearly loved grandmother to her granddaughter Janey (Sam).

Gloria attended Norfolk General Hospital Nurses Training Program, and then began her nursing career in Kitchener, Ontario. Meanwhile, Chuck was going to University in Waterloo, Ontario. In the fall of 1971 while Gloria and Chuck were out on the town separately, Chuck noticed Gloria and was immediately drawn to her outgoing and gregarious personality, and they started dating right away. In the spring of 1973 Chuck proposed and they were married in Delhi, Ontario on July 6, 1973.

They moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where Gloria continued her nursing until three years later, on August 20, 1976, when they welcomed their daughter Leanne into the world, a truly joyous day for them. Around this same time, Gloria and Chuck were both searching for the truth and in 1976 Gloria was contacted in the door-to-door ministry and started to study the Bible.

In 1979 Gloria and Chuck moved their family to Comox. On November 8, 1980, Gloria dedicated her life as a loyal servant to Jehovah and got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Chuck joined Gloria in service to Jehovah when he was baptized in 1983.

A highlight in Gloria’s life was becoming a grandmother and she was affectionately referred to as “Nanny” by her granddaughter. She was a doting, hands on grandmother and enjoyed countless cherished memories with Janey. The two of them enjoyed a very special bond. In Gloria’s living room sits a pillow on a chair with embroidered text which reads “If I had known grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first.”   Attending Janey and Sam’s wedding last summer was a memorable event for Gloria. She finally gained the grandson she always wanted and made sure to spoil him appropriately. She was convinced that Hungry Man meals were the way to Sam’s heart and there was always one waiting in the freezer for him.

Gloria loved to garden and took great pride in making a beautiful yard in every home they had.  She also loved to have fun and had a great time singing and dancing, especially to her favorite ABBA tunes. She enjoyed reminiscing about her many memorable travels around the world, watching her favorite renovation shows and playing solitaire on her iPad. Gloria also loved her “chachkies” (inexpensive, decorative trinkets or souvenirs) which she displayed all over their home, especially in the garden. Gloria was a frequent customer at her two favorite stores, Winners and Walmart. She took pride in her unique finds at those two stores and as a result she was always beautifully dressed and put together. However, not all of her finds were kept, and she was well known at the “return it” desk.

Gloria’s life was not without its challenges. Her life’s routine changed dramatically when Chuck went from being an active marathon runner to in 2006 being in a wheelchair. She took this life change in stride and focused much of her energy on looking after Chuck.  She also had health challenges of her own which affected her mobility, but she pressed on and never lost her love for life. Gloria was regularly at the meetings with Chuck and loved to be there socializing with everyone, including the young ones. After each meeting, all the children who affectionately referred to her as “Nanny Glo,” flocked to her to pick a candy out of her candy bag and to get a big, long hug from her.

Gloria loved to entertain and was extremely hospitable. She formed many friendships which have endured over many decades, and those friends considered her as family. She loved to talk to people and was so animated in her conversations. She was truly a beacon of warmth, always offering a listening ear and a supportive shoulder. She filled whichever room she entered and really lit it up. She loved everyone, was interested in them and accepted each person for who they were and when she asked “how are ya” she genuinely wanted to know your answer.

Gloria was active right until she suddenly passed away. Her and Chuck had company over for dinner the night before and she was truly happy and content sitting in their backyard gazebo wrapped in a blanket visiting with friends and listening to music. She was very much looking forward to having a belated 50th anniversary party this summer now that their backyard project was complete.

Her faith in the resurrection was unshakeable and she looked forward to the Bible’s promise of a time when there would be no more sickness or death, and the resurrection promise will be realized. Gloria will be so happy to see those present here today, greeting her on a paradise earth where there will be no more death or suffering.

She will be deeply missed, and we all look forward to seeing her soon when Gloria’s favorite scripture at Revelation 21:4 is fulfilled – “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain by anymore.  The former things have passed away.”

The Brassard family wishes to convey their gratitude to all of the family and friends who expressed their love and support during this trying time. Your loving kindness, thoughtfulness, and ongoing encouragement will always be remembered.

Gloria was a devoted Jehovah Witness. A service in honor of Gloria's life is being held at the Kingdom Hall, 1581 Dingwall Rd, Courtenay on Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.