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Gladys Saunders
November 3, 1934 - September 17, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">Gladys Eileen Saunders (nee McCoy), beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully on September 17, 2016, in her 82nd year. Pre-deceased by her loving husband Elmer (2010), Gladys will be sadly missed by her sons Clint (Theresa), Martin (Catherine Lasuita), Kerry (Evelyn Storm) and daughter Krista (Mike Pammett). Her generous spirit, sense of humour and love of nature will be cherished by her nine grandchildren, Corinne (Brayden), Maureen (Jason), Jill, Jack, Chloe (Tom), Bretton, Allyson, James (Maggie) and Megan, along with great-granddaughter Mikayla. 

Born and raised in Edmonton, Gladys graduated from the University of Alberta in 1955, earning one of the first Bachelor of Physical Education degrees bestowed by the University. Her love of varied sports and outdoor activities were reflected in a lengthy menu of pursuits throughout her life: swimming, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, skiing and speed skating. Raising the family in Red Deer, the Saunders children and parents alike were mainstays at the local ski hill. Gladys was an ardent supporter of all her children's and grandchildren's sporting activities and community endeavours.

At a young age, Gladys lamented that the scouting movement of the day was not open to girls. Instead, Gladys joined Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT). Her involvement with CGIT extended into adulthood, as a local leader and later as a provincial and national council member. Three generations of young Red Deer women experienced the joys of nature and the outdoors, under Gladys' CGIT leadership and influence.
 <br>Gladys and Elmer were long-time members of First Baptist Church and later of Sunnybrook United Church. With her strong alto voice, Gladys was a member of many church and community choirs over the years. In retirement, Gladys and Elmer travelled extensively, managing to visit all seven continents.

 <br>A generous, dynamic and spirited woman, Gladys' door was open to all, her meals could always stretch to include extra people and her cookie jar was always full. The Saunders family would like to thank the staff at the Continuing Care Unit of Lacombe Hospital for the compassionate care provided to Gladys over the past years. Donations in memory of Gladys Saunders may be made to Trans Canada Trail (tctrail.ca) or the United Way of Central Alberta (caunitedway.ca). As per her wishes, there will be no service. <br></div>